'New figures show government failing to tackle energy poverty'

New figures show the true scale of the government’s failure to tackle energy prices and give families the support that they need, according to Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath.

She said the government cannot continue to stand idly by while so many households are struggling and reiterated the need for energy credits as part of a cost-of-living package in this year’s budget.

In a statement, Teachta Clarke said: “Figures obtained by Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan showed that the number of people in energy arrears had hit a new record of 301,379. The figures show that, unfortunately, that was only the tip of the iceberg.

“Of the 300,000, 176,449 have been in arrears for more than 90 days – another record high. In addition, the value of the arrears was at €466.46, up 49.8% since January 2022. That leaves the total arrears for households across Ireland at €140.50 million.

“Along with that financial burden, more families than ever before are having their electricity cut off.

“There were 161 disconnections in May, taking the total this year to 733. By this time in 2023, there had been 154 disconnections, meaning a jump of 375% since then.

“Sinn Féin has repeated called for the government to reform electricity to bring down costs for households, but they have failed to do it at every turn. The cost of electricity is putting families under huge pressure at a time when so many are already struggling.

“Despite that, the government are ruling out energy credits or any other cost of living supports as part of the upcoming budget.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are acting like the cost of living crisis has no real-life impact. For the government to turn their back on ordinary people when so many are struggling is nothing short of scandalous.

“They need to come to their senses and give families and businesses the support that they need. The budget must include energy credits as part of a cost of living package.”