Hikes in energy prices ‘will see families with no heat or light’

HIGH energy prices will see some families left without heat or light this winter, the Society of St Vincent de Paul has warned.

The grim prediction comes after a number of suppliers recently announced another round of price increases, with some households who use both gas and electricity expecting bills to rise by just under €300 a year.

Head of social justice for the charity, Caroline Fahey, said: ‘For many thousands of people that SVP supports, opening a utility bill is a major source of stress and these price increases are really going to hit struggling households hard, as so many are already finding it difficult to make ends meet. It also means that the increase in the Fuel Allowance in Budget 2019 will be completely wiped out by the latest hikes.’ The Government had extended the €22.50 weekly fuel allowance for those in need to 28 weeks to cover the coldest months.

However, last month Energia announced it would be increasing its prices for 180,000 customers on New Year’s Day, meaning dual-fuel customers will see their bill rise by an average of almost 6%, or €117.52, in the year.

Following increases announced in August, this means Energia dual-fuel customers will pay €296.92 a year more. Flogas, Panda Power, Pinergy and SSE Airtricity had already announced price increases which have since come into effect. Total increases for the year for dual-fuel customers now range from €96.72 from Bord Gáis Energy up to €296.92 from Energia.

However, both Bord Gáis Energy and BEenergy have yet to announce whether they will be increasing their prices in line with other companies.

The price hikes are being blamed on the wholesale energy costs on the global market.

Two companies, Electric Ireland and PrePayPower.ie, recently announced they will be freezing price increases over the winter months.