The government has turned its back on vulnerable families by ignoring advice to provide targeted energy credits this winter, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore said:
“Without energy credits, the average household will be hit by an extra €321 in electricity costs per year – vulnerable families will indefinitely be pushed into poverty as a result.
“This government continues to sit on its hands as households across the country are crushed by some of the highest electricity costs in Europe. In 2020, the average annual bill stood at €976 but, in the space of five years, this has doubled to an unjustifiable €1,877.
“In October, SSE Airtricity put up its standard variable rate by 9.5 per cent, which will add around €150 a year to a typical bill. This was the second electricity price increase from this supplier this year, which is simply unsustainable in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
“Just weeks before, Energia customers were hit with price rises that will add an average of €200 to their annual bills.
“This gouging is completely unjustified as prices rises are completely out of line with wholesale costs since they peaked in 2022.
“Targeted energy credits would benefit 800,000 lower income households – we made a case for this in Budget 26, but our proposal was ignored by the government.
“With more than 300,000 customers in arrears on their electricity bills, sky-high prices will plunge already struggling energy customers deeper into crisis in the coming winter months.
“Any future measures must be targeted – during the last government’s term, 62,000 holiday homes received three energy credits totalling €600 in one winter.
“This government has gone the other way completely, turning their back on families who need support.”
December 3rd, 2025