The consultation
On 10th November 2025, the CRU published the Gas PAYG Replacement System Detail Design Consultation Paper. This consultation followed the previous High-Level design consultation and decision paper on the Gas PAYG Replacement System, and focused on the following three main elements of the project: the meter system to be chosen (Thin or Hybrid), the customer experience (in aspects such as balance messaging, topping-up and disconnection/reconnection protocols), and the prioritisation of the replacement meter roll-out. The consultation remained open until 9th January 2026 and nine responses were received.
Your views and suggestions
Responses received to this consultation were important to inform the CRU of what decisions should be made in the best interest of gas PAYG customers. Responses were received from both suppliers and NGOs, which were all in agreement in the need to replace the existing gas PAYG meters. The features of the replacement meters, such as granting the ability to top-up remotely and giving customers advanced warnings of self-disconnection, provide a much improved customer experience and ensures that gas customers in Ireland will continue to have the choice of a prepayment solution into the future, beyond the existing meters' obsolescence.
Outcomes
As outlined in the Decision Paper, the CRU has evaluated the responses received and arrived at decisions on the key features of the project, including the meter system to be chosen, the balance messaging the customer will receive, the disconnection and reconnection protocols, and whether any particular customer cohort will be prioritised. The CRU will now commence working on incorporating these decisions into the Suppliers' Handbook, with a further consultation to follow. Deployment of the replacement gas PAYG meters is due to commence in Q4 2027.