THE GOVERNMENT HAS been criticised for failing to take on the energy companies as thousands of householders struggle to pay their gas and electricity bills. 

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) revealed yesterday that the amount of money owed on energy bills is climbing, with 187,300 electricity customers who are now 90 days or more behind on their bills.

This is an increase of 26,000 accounts on last year.

Highlighting the issue with Tánaiste Simon Harris, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty called on the government to re-introduce energy credits for all households. 

‘Flashing red light’

Doherty said the number of those in energy arrears was “a flashing red light” for what was to come during the cold months.

Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty in the Dáil today. Oireachtas.ie Oireachtas.ie

He said the 180,000 households in arrears with their gas bills did not include those who are “only managing to keep up”.

“And let’s be clear, these arrears figures only go to July, and that was before we have the cold weather that we have now. It was before the last round of price hikes. It was before people even turned on their heating.

“So God only knows what the numbers are going to look like this Christmas as this crisis continues, punishment and this government can’t plead ignorance. You refuse to take on the energy companies, you refuse to empower the regulator,” said Doherty.

Harris said the government was conscious of the low-temperature warnings issued for 10 counties from 11pm on Thursday until Friday morning.

He said this year’s Budget did tackle fuel poverty, with the Tánaiste referencing the fuel allowance increase which is now worth more than €1,000 a year. He said those on the working family payment can qualify for the fuel allowance now, meaning 450,000 homes, or around a quarter of all homes, will qualify for the payment.

The Tánaiste also pointed to the retention of the VAT rate at 9% for gas and electricity bills for the next five years as well as the reduced PSO (Public Service Obligation) levy.

Tánaiste Simon Harris Oireachtas.ie Oireachtas.ie

Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien has met the four largest energy companies who said they each have hardship funds in place for vulnerable customers. The Tánaiste said that a disconnection moratorium is also in place for registered vulnerable customers from November until 31 March.

“I want to be very clear this winter, nobody should be afraid to turn on their heat during the cold weather,” Harris said.

The Tánaiste said he wanted it to be known and publicised that if people are struggling to afford their energy bills, they should reach out for additional supports.

“I hope everyone will help us amplify this message for any person who is under serious financial pressure, they can seek an additional needs payment in addition to what I outlined already, with heating costs through the community welfare officer,” he said. 

‘Cold comfort’

Doherty said that his advice would be “cold comfort” to people.

“‘Don’t be cold this winter’. Do you not listen to the facts? Do you not listen to what has been said by the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities), the hard, unvarnished facts: 70,000 more households, more families, more individuals, more houses, real people cannot pay their electricity bill in the first six months of this year.

“The record number that we’re seeing is from the middle of July, the warmest month of the year.”

He added: “I put it to you, you have consciously made it impossible for people to stay warm this winter, and I would ask you to bring forward energy credits to support these families and provide them with a lifeline during these winter months.”

Harris said Sinn Fein’s call for more to be done for those struggling to pay energy bills this winter was “hypocrisy”, stating that Doherty’s party is largest in the Assembly, but there has been no cost-of-living package introduced there. 

“You’re the largest party in the Assembly. You haven’t put forward a cost-of-living package. The fuel allowance is a paltry £100 to £300 compared to the 1,000 euro here.

“So to the people at home this winter – access our supports, but don’t fall for their hypocrisy,” Harris said.

Fine Gael ministers were heard saying “you don’t like the truth” as members on the Sinn Féin benches objected while Labour TD for Kildare South Mark Wall began speaking during his time slot.