Households facing 'mountains' of energy bill arrears

Appearing before the Oireachtas environment committee on the issue of energy poverty, representatives from charity St Vincent de Paul said  many households are facing multiple energy bills they cannot clear before the next one comes through.

Households could head into next winter already saddled with "mountains" of energy bill arrears and will need “somewhere to turn to”, politicians have been warned.

Advocates also said it was clear “one-off measures will not work” and targeted policies will be needed to support vulnerable households in the future.