Energy costs hit 'squeezed middle' - Leitrim comment
With more than 500,000 energy accounts across Ireland in arrears, local public representatives say many Leitrim households are continuing to struggle with rising energy costs, while some are missing out on supports that could help ease the burden.
Last week, the Government was urged to provide energy credits following new findings from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities showing that more than half a million energy bills are in arrears.
Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr Padraig Fallon said that "things appear to have tightened" when it comes to the Fuel Allowance.
"You see ministers and government representatives tout that payment when asked in the Dáil about people in energy and fuel poverty. However, it's far from easy got. It's means assessed and I'm aware of a number of cases where individuals were turned down for it and went on to receive assistance from St Vincent de Paul."
Cllr Fallon said fuel and energy poverty is increasingly affecting working families and older people.
"Fuel or energy poverty is generally working families and the elderly. Arrears are getting out of control and increasing month on month. It will have to be recognised as an issue in the Budget if they wait that long."
He added that Irish people pay some of the "highest energy and fuel prices here in Ireland."
"Regarding the fuel protests, there were many there who were not hauliers or farmers etc and were there due to the frustration they felt about paying for heating oil and in electricity and gas bills."
Cllr Justin Warnock said many people under financial pressure may not realise assistance is available.
"The squeezed middle, the working people on modest incomes who get up every morning and get their children to a childminder/creche, school or college go to work, pay a mortgage, possibly car loans, health insurance, childminder, bills and put food on the table; they are the most vulnerable in Leitrim and Ireland.
“They are very proud and would be the last in any queue for a handout. They don't take to the streets, they can't take the time off but they are angry as they are just surviving.”
He added: “These people probably don't know that there is help, ie the Additional Needs Payment. Maybe it's time that the Government issued a general circular so that every working man and woman were informed of any payments that they would be entitled to if under financial pressure."
The concerns raised by local representatives are also being reflected in the experience of frontline support services.
A spokesperson for MABS in Leitrim told the Leitrim Observer there has been an increase in people seeking assistance with energy-related costs.
"Yes there is an increase in contact from people with utility arrears with electricity and also worry about being able to pay for oil. It has been colder for longer this year and there is real concern about the coming winter as well."
Asked about the most common issues being presented, the spokesperson said: "Arrears with all the Utility providers and larger bills."
MABS said while a range of supports are available through the Department of Social Protection, awareness of some schemes may be limited.
"The Department of Social Protection (DSP) offers a range of supports that can help households facing utility arrears. These include: Exceptional Needs Payments, Additional Needs Payments, The Household Benefits Package, Winter Fuel Allowance.
"There might not be wide knowledge of an Executional Needs Payment that is accessed through the Community Welfare Service. It is means tested but a SWA1 form needs to be completed and sent with proof of income, bank statements and copy of the bill."
The spokesperson also urged people experiencing difficulties to engage with suppliers before arrears escalate.
"Its very important that some attempt is made to pay an amount each week through the post office or standing order. Direct Debits do cause difficulties when someone is struggling as the payment might be returned and it can get out of control."
Asked which groups are most affected, the spokesperson said:
"Low income households in particular, but as the cost of living crisis really grew a few months ago, there are a lot of people struggling.
"Electricity arrears are a challenge, but they’re not insurmountable. With the right support and a clear plan, you can take control of your finances and keep your home warm and well-lit this winter."
Cllr James Gilmartin stressed the importance of ensuring people know what supports are available.
"It's always the most vulnerable that need the help and sometimes people who may be afraid to ask and think they are not entitled to help. We have a structure there that is supposed to look after everybody and it does but people need to get used to asking for help too."
Deputy Martin Kenny said: "We get it all the time with people coming in who are finding it difficult to manage."
A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said supports available include the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package, Additional Needs Payments and Heating Supplement.
The Department said Fuel Allowance is means-tested and helps pensioners and other welfare-dependent households meet heating costs, while the Household Benefits Package provides support towards electricity or gas bills and includes the free television licence.
The Department also said Additional Needs Payments and other supports are available under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment said Budget 2026 included measures to help households with energy costs, including the extension of the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity until 2030 and €640 million for SEAI retrofit schemes.