Huge rise in number of people unable to heat homes, warns SVP

The average estimated annual electricity bill of €1,000 in the spring of 2020 has now doubled to over €2,100.

The number of people unable to adequately heat their homes increased by 135% in 2022, with the Society of St Vincent de Paul warning energy poverty deepened this winter as many now face huge bills landing through their door.

The charity has said that there have been missed opportunities to support households that are struggling, with the last year marked by those who might not have experienced difficulties before now facing an “acute level of need”.