More than half a million households in Ireland in energy arrears, Dáil told
The number of Irish households in energy arrears has surpassed half a million for the first time, the Dáil has heard.
Around 319,000 households have fallen behind in paying their electricity bill, while a further 183,000 families have fallen behind in paying their gas bill, according to figures published by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Combined, the figures indicate 502,203 households were in energy arrears as of March this year.
The figures do not include households who disconnect because they cannot afford to top up a pay-as-you-go meter.
Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the government should reintroduce universal energy credits to help those struggling with rising energy costs.
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the government keeps “a very close track” of people who are in arrears for 90 days, as it shows “stress over a period of time”.
He said the...
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