Poor to get more free electricity

People on social welfare are to be given more free electricity, it emerged today as the Government moved to ease the crippling burden of rising energy prices.

With bills set to soar by 20% from the start of next year, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced the support scheme would be extended for the poorest in society.

“This Government is committed to ensuring that the needs of the most disadvantaged in our society are prioritised. This measure will target precisely those people in the face of the rising cost of energy, over which we have no control,” the Taoiseach said.

At present, eligible social welfare recipients are entitled to up to 1800 free units of electricity a year, while the State also pays for standing charges. Similar benefits are available in respect of gas.

The extension of the scheme will give the poorest in society an extra 600 free units of electricity.

It is hoped it will allow eligible social welfare recipients to maintain their average consumption of gas and electricity without any increase in cost.

Average household electricity bills will rise by €12 a month from the start of next year – an increase of just under 20% – after the Energy Regulator last week approved a price hike.

In an added burden to consumers already being hit hard by high and rising inflation, the Regulator said the increase was direct result of spiralling fuel costs.

It comes on top of the 34% increase in gas prices due in October.

The Regulator said the average electricity bill for a home for two months will increase from €126 to €150 – €12 a month.