An 82-year-old man living alone has not put on his heating in months because he is “terrified” of the potential bills after receiving one for almost €1,000 recently.
Now, the pensioner sits at home on his own at night in the dark with the lights out and no heating turned on.
The issue was raised in the Dail by Sinn Fein Galway TD, Mairead Farrell.
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The man called into Ms Farrell’s constituency office in “huge distress” after he was hit with the whopping bill for €939.
Ms Farrell told Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about the very sad case.
She said: “On Friday, a man named Michael, aged 82 years, called into my office.
“He was in huge distress because he had received an electricity bill of €939.
“That is a staggering amount and is completely unaffordable.
“Michael lives alone in a one-bedroom flat and is absolutely terrified to put on the heat or the electricity.
“He told me he has not put the heat on in months because he is so worried.
“I contacted the provider on Michael’s behalf and its only suggestion was that he would pay in instalments.
“For a man of 82 years, that is completely unrealistic.
“He is already terrified of putting on heat or electricity and sits alone at home with the lights off and no heating.
“What am I meant to say to Michael?
“What is Michael supposed to do now?”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his sympathy for the man, and advised him to work with the utility company to pay it off over time, or to apply to the Department of Social Protection for a special grant.
Mr Varadkar said: “I am very sorry to hear that that gentleman received such a big bill.
“There are a number of options.
“One is the one the Deputy mentioned, which is to pay the bill over a period by instalments. “Another option is to contact the community welfare officer, who may be able to make an exceptional needs payment in that scenario.”
