Lower than expected uptake of State's energy support scheme

Some €17.7m paid out so far from €1.25bn scheme to help business pay for gas and electricity

More than 1,800 cafes and restaurants have registered for TBESS.

The Government's energy scheme to support thousands of businesses with their gas and electricity bills has seen a lower take-up than was expected.

The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was approved in Budget 2023 in September with €1.25bn budgeted to assist businesses with up to 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills.