ESB resists pressure to give cuts to customers in arrears

ESB Electric Ireland is resisting calls from consumer groups and Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton to reverse its decision to exclude customers in arrears from new price plans which offer discounts of up to 17% on electricity bills.

The company defended its new range of discount tariffs for electricity, gas and dual products amid criticism that the best rates would be unavailable to vulnerable members of society who may have fallen into arrears.

However, ESB Electric Ireland said it would continue to “monitor the situation”. The company said existing customers in arrears, who are also social welfare recipients, can still avail of discounts of up to 9% by signing up for the An Post Household Budget Scheme which commits them to make a minimum payment of €15 per week.