Over 500,000 Irish Households in Energy Arrears; Sinn Féin Urges Credits
Over 500,000 Irish households are in energy arrears, according to new CRU findings. Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty urged the government to provide energy credits within three weeks, citing record arrears and rising prices. Minister Peter Burke defended the government's support package, awaiting an autumn report from the Energy Affordability Taskforce.
New findings from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) reveal that over 500,000 Irish households are currently in energy arrears, prompting calls for immediate government intervention. Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders' Questions, Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty urged the government to provide energy credits within the next three weeks, anticipating further price increases.
Mr. Doherty highlighted the CRU figures as deeply concerning, noting that more than half a million people are in arrears for the first time. He criticized the government's inaction following Electric Ireland's recent price hike, stating, «Last week, Electric Ireland raised their prices, and there wasn't a peep out of you in Government.» He further argued, «You withdrew energy credits in the last Budget. We have the highest prices in Europe. Companies are to jack up their prices again. And what's your response, wait and see what we'll do in the Budget.» The Donegal TD reported that constituents who had previously managed their finances were now struggling with bills.
In response, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke defended the Coalition's efforts, asserting that it had implemented the largest support package in a European context to assist families with the cost of living. Mr. Burke affirmed the government's past agility in aiding families and pledged its continued commitment. He indicated that the Coalition would await a report from the Energy Affordability Taskforce, expected in autumn, to guide future actions. He also advised struggling individuals to contact their energy suppliers or the Department of Social Protection, claiming, «We are acting now at a record level - supporting people at the pump.»
Last month, Electric Ireland, the country's largest residential electricity provider, announced an 8% increase in electricity prices and a 7.7% rise for gas customers, effective from the start of July. Other providers, including Yuno Energy and PrepayPower, also declared price increases. Concurrently, Eurozone inflation accelerated in May, driven by higher energy and services costs.