ALONE CEO warns elderly will be severely affected by fuel rises

A charity supporting older people has warned that continuing increases in gas and electricity prices will have a serious impact on the health of some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Airtricity announced yesterday that it will increase electricity prices by 4.7% and gas by 8.5% from October 15.

Bord Gáis and Electric Ireland both recently announced similar increases from October 1.

Sean Moynihan, Chief Executive of ALONE, has said there is a direct link between the increase in fuel prices and the risk of fuel poverty among older people.