Spiralling energy costs – Huge impact on families

SPIRALLING energy costs in recent years, are having a devastating effect, but the most vulnerable, including elderly people living alone, will die from hypothermia this winter unless bills are reduced, fears Ballyfermot Cllr Vincent Jackson (Ind).

Gas and electricity prices in Ireland are among the highest in Europe.

“I genuinely believe that next winter, if fuel costs haven’t come down substantially, we are going to have a major issue with people dying of hypothermia, all across the city and country,” said Cllr Jackson.

“You are even unluckier if you are on your own, because gas doesn’t differentiate if you are living in a house, an apartment or flat.”

Electric Ireland rates are set to go up from May 1.

The average electricity bill by 23.4 per cent or €24.80 a month and the average gas bill up by 24.8 per cent or €18.35 a month.

The increases will add around €300 a year to electricity bills and €220 to gas bills.

Energia increased prices by 15 per cent from April 25, while Bord Gáis Energy prices went up by 27 per cent for electricity and 39 per cent for gas from April 15.

Speaking at the South Central area meeting, Cllr Jackson said: “Last week, one of my neighbours was showing me her gas bills, and then I looked at my own mother-in-law and father-in-law, who are in their late 80s.

“In the last three years, they got a bill in 2019, the bill was €211, in 2020 it was €270, last year it was €341, and they got a bill two days ago for €597 for their gas bill. Between their electricity and gas, they will be spending €1,100-1,200 a month which is a phenomenal amount of money.”

He also said he can’t see the council’s retrofitting scheme delivering in a reasonable timespan for what will be required.

“People in their late 80s don’t have a lot of time, I fear this will hasten their departure.”

Cllr Jackson also took aim at private companies profiting from “expensive pre-paid meters” citing differences up to €1,100 between providers, noting one would need a “degree in physics” to understand the fine print.