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 reduction in excise duties on fuel in recent months had helped “very significantly”.
He also referred to efforts to make households energy independent, to the fuel allowance, and engagement with energy companies to ensure people are not disconnected.
“Minister, you and your government withdrew energy credits in last year’s budget, that’s why we’re seeing what’s happening now,” Mr Doherty replied.
“We have record numbers of families across the state who can’t pay their electricity or gas bill. That is on you.
“We are paying the highest electricity costs in Europe, and the electricity companies have just told us that they’re going to jack up prices again in less than three weeks.”
He said people were raising concerns with energy prices who never had a problem paying their bills before.
“The penny needs to drop – half a million households is massive,” he said as he asked for energy credits to be reintroduced.
Burke replied: “We are acting at a record level (in) supporting families, and we will continue to do that through the National Affordability Taskforce, looking at energy affordability, looking at protecting consumers, and looking at energy policy.”
