82% surge in gas disconnections

More than 20,000 homes had their electricity or gas cut off last year for failing to pay their bills, figures reveal.

The figures from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) show that some 7,558 homes had their gas supply cut off — an increase of 82%. A total of 14,650 households had their electricity disconnected in 2012 — an increase of 1%.

The CER retail market annual report found that Bord Gáis cut off almost twice as many electricity customers last year as in 2011, rising from 1,464 to 2,934, while it cut off gas to over 5,500 customers.

The report comes just a day after a CER survey found that electricity and gas customers have reported large increases in their energy bills this year, with the average annual expenditure on both costing almost €200 more than last year.

Commenting on the disconnection rates, Fianna Fáil energy spokesman Michael Moynihan said the figures were “alarming” and questioned the role and performance of the energy regulator.

“These figures are particularly disconcerting when read beside news of the massive profits announced by the utility companies. I have continuously called for [Energy] Minister Pat Rabbitte to take more of an interest, to do his job and raise concerns with the Commissions for Energy Regulation.

“Families are struggling; one in four can’t pay their utility bills in full. This problem is getting progressively worse and the minister continues to ignore it.”

Sinn Féin’s energy spokesman Michael Colreavy said the figures were “worrying” and said metering should be available to all customers.

“Currently only customers in significant arrears can avail of the pre-pay metering system.

“Customers who are not in arrears must use private companies to install prepay meters on which they pay a charge, resulting in higher energy costs.”