Rising Energy Costs Push More Irish Households Into Arrears, Calls Grow for Government Support

Dublin: A growing number of households across Ireland are struggling to pay electricity and gas bills amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, prompting renewed calls from political parties for urgent government intervention.

According to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, a total of 319,459 households were in electricity bill arrears by the end of December—an increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year. Data also shows that one in seven affected households is unable to pay the average outstanding amount of €466.

In addition, more than 180,000 households are behind on gas payments, marking the highest level of arrears ever recorded.

Recent measures announced by Micheál Martin, including a €505 million support package, aim to ease financial pressure on families. However, opposition parties argue that the response falls short of addressing the scale of the crisis.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik has criticised the government, stating that wage earners and families are being left behind as they struggle with rising utility bills, food prices, and housing costs.

Calls for Immediate Measures

Bacik has called for the introduction of income-based energy credits to support vulnerable households. She also urged the government to extend the moratorium on energy disconnections, which expired in April, and to develop a national fuel security strategy aligned with guidelines from the International Energy Agency.

Long-Term Solutions Needed

The Labour leader further emphasised the need for measures to reduce energy demand, including expanding remote working options, increasing investment in public transport, and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. These steps, she argued, are essential to lower long-term costs and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.

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