Energy price hike will increase fuel poverty- Crowe

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has warned that increases in energy prices will force households into fuel poverty, and threatens their health and well-being.

Deputy Crowe was speaking after the announcement this week that Bord Gais Energy will increase the residential electricity price by 4.8% from October 15.

Deputy Crowe said:

“A recent Scottish House Conditions Survey found that for every 5% rise in the average annual home fuel price, an estimated 30,000 more households would go into fuel poverty, which would include 5,000 children.

“This Bord Gais electricity increase will shove up the average household bill by €51, to €1,139. With the government increasing pressure on low and middle income earners, and attacking the most vulnerable citizens, how does Bord Gais think people will be able to pay this increase?

“This follows a gas price increase of 8.5% earlier this month, and both Airtricity and Electric Ireland have announced price increases for customers too. Additionally the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) announced that three times the amount of gas and electricity customers were cut-off in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same time in 2011.

“People will have to choose between essential household items or living in a home that is heated. It was only the relatively mild winter last year that saved a lot of people from the real dangers of fuel poverty.

“If the temperatures this winter drop to 2010 levels there will be a major effect on the health and well-being of those struggling under the government’s austerity measures, particularly children and the elderly.