A woman over 100 years of age has received a two-month electricity bill for almost €1,000 after her previous bill was just over €130.
The startling bill came despite the customer claiming that she had not changed her electrical usage in any major way.
The bill amount of €957 was for electricity used by the elderly woman during the 59 days from December 7 to February 3 - and she said it was after the Government’s €200 energy credit was applied.
Sinn Féin Meath TD, Johnny Guirke, stunned the Dáil when he held the bill up for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to see during questions to the Taoiseach in the Dáil today.
Mr Guirke said: "I wish to raise with the Taoiseach the cases of two elderly people who have contacted me over the past two days.
"Kitty from Trim, County Meath, is over 100 years old.
"Her electricity bill with Electric Ireland from 7 December 2022 to 3 February, 59 days, is €957.49 after all subsidies.
"I have Kitty's bill here. Her previous bill was €133.42.
"Her electricity usage involves a fridge, a washing machine, an immersion heater, lighting and two electric heaters on timers, with no central heating.
"Gerry Clarke, 77 years old, from Ballivor, County Meath, told me I could use his name.
"He received his Electric Ireland bill this week. It amounts to €1,678.65. His previous bill was for €671, and the one before that was for €290.
"His bill of €1,678.65 works out at €26.22 a day over 64 days, not the highest price in Europe for domestic use but the highest in the world.
"Is it any wonder that a third of all households are experiencing energy poverty?
"The Government and the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, need to get the finger out and deal with these energy companies, which are making massive profits on the back of pensioners and the Irish public in a cost-of-living crisis."
The Taoiseach responded: "I have had the same experience the Deputy has had and have met many people in my constituency who have been really shocked by some of the utility bills that have landed in their letter boxes in recent weeks.
"These are the winter bills. They are extremely high. Unfortunately, there is another one on the way.
"The Government is acting. We have extended the 9 per cent VAT rate on electricity and gas until the end of October.
"There is another €200 energy credit on the way and, of course, we have provided for targeted welfare payments to increase pensions, increase the fuel allowance and widen eligibility for the fuel allowance, among other actions - and we will not stop here."
A spokesman for Electric Ireland was asked for comment on the high bills raised in the Dail by Mr Guirke.
The spokesperson said: "Electric Ireland does not comment on individual customer accounts but offers a range of customer supports, including:
Electric Ireland has not increased its residential prices since 1 October 2022 and is acutely aware of the impact of energy bills on families and businesses – we will continue to keep prices under constant review.
Electric Ireland offers the lowest cost standard variable tariff for residential customers in the market.
In December 2022, Electric Ireland announced it would forego profit from its residential electricity business and give a €50 credit to each of its residential customers. Over one million residential customers received this €50 credit at the start of 2023.
Electric Ireland engages with all residential customers who have trouble paying their bills in line with the voluntary Industry Energy Engage Code.
We are aware of the burden that high energy prices is putting on customers and have put in place a range of measures to support them, including increasing the Electric Ireland Hardship Fund €3 million to €5 million in December 2022.
We are committed to helping our customers who experience financial difficulty. As always, we encourage any Electric Ireland customer who has difficulty in paying their energy bill to engage with us and we will work with them to put a manageable payment plan in place.
Customers who are experiencing financial difficulty or having trouble paying their energy bills are asked to please call Electric Ireland at 1800 50 40 21 or email creditcontrol@electricireland.ie
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