Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has warned of a spike in arrears and disconnection figures as energy costs continue to cripple households.

New figures provided by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) reveal that there are now more than 400,000 households in arrears across the state.

Teachta Crowe said:

“Households are under huge pressure from the cost of living crisis. They need help and they need it now.

“The figures are shocking. They are the inevitable consequence of a government that fails to act, while allowing energy companies to run rough-shod over consumers.

“Between February and May there has been an increase of over 10% in the number of households in arrears (364,131 to 405,997). There are now over 400,000 households in arrears across the state.

“Behind these staggering figures are the ordinary workers and families who are facing the deeply distressing situation of being unable to afford to live in rip-off Ireland. And due to the actions of this government, there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

“The reality is that energy costs have more than doubled in the last two years in Ireland. This is leading to insurmountable, unsustainable levels of debt for people that they simply cannot overcome. It is patently clear that the Government has not done enough to protect workers and families from rip-off energy costs here.

“This is on top of people already coming under huge pressure due to sky high rents, rising mortgage interest, huge grocery costs, and childcare bills.

“The Government must get to grips with this deteriorating situation urgently. They must heed Sinn Féin calls to hold energy companies to account and to address Ireland’s rip-off energy bills. Without urgent and appropriate intervention, ordinary workers and families will continue to suffer.”