The Energy Minister says the ESB must pay customers who were overcharged for electricity bills out of their own pocket.
That's the despite the company reportedly looking to avoid using their own money, to pay back 100 million euro in unsanctioned charges.
According to the Irish Independent, the ESB wants to raise the money through charging big businesses.
Minister Eamon Ryan says he has every faith customers will get a planned €50 refund.
"ESB have to return, because the applied the regulation that is an estimated €50 due back to the households - the ESB will do that directly to their customers.
"I have every confidence in CRU to manage and over see that regulation.
"When you find out there was an overpayment you pay it back - and that's what's going to be done."
