Government scrambles to stop pay-as-you-go energy customers being cut off

The CRU has said it is difficult to aid pay-as-you-go customers specifically, as metering systems cannot provide the necessary data. Picture: Nick Ansell/PA

Home and business owners face further sustained increases in their energy costs because of extreme increases in wholesale energy prices, they have been warned.

With 125,000 customers now behind on their bills, up from 100,000 during the pandemic, the ESB and Electric Ireland told an Oireachtas committee they have sought to slow down and limit the impact of wholesale energy price increases on customers through hedging 18 to 24 months ahead.