Poor are ‘struggling with their ESB debts’

DEBT attached to ESB bills was yesterday highlighted as the major source of financial headache for the nation’s least well-off.

The ESB has been criticised by budgeting services officers for charging some people up to 22.9% interest on basic necessities such as fridges, cookers and heaters. Its deferred payment rate is just 0.1% less than that charged by moneylenders.

Those who bought household items over Christmas are struggling to pay their bills, which are combined with their bi-monthly ESB bill. Charges for power have already increased by 13% over the past 12 months.