Rabbitte vows to have no utility cut-offs this winter

The Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte has promised that no household in the country will have its gas or electricity supply cut off this winter.

Mr Rabbitte told an Oireachtais Committee this afternoon that energy companies have agreed not to disconnect supply from domestic customers.

However, the guarantee comes on the condition that account holders agree to a pay plan or to have a pay-as-you-go meter installed in their home.

It is estimated that up to 1,300 households a month have their gas or electricity cut off.