Calls for Government to support struggling families as energy prices rises kick in

It comes as the latest flash estimate from the Central Statistics Office for June shows an estimated inflation rate of 3.3% in the last 12 months, with the rise in energy products leading the surge. File picture

Over one million Irish households face energy price hikes from today adding to calls from advocates demanding the Government up its support for struggling families in October's Budget.

Increases from Electric Ireland and Yuno Energy that kick in today will see the average customer's annual gas and electricity bill increase by around €250-€300.

It comes as the latest flash estimate from the Central Statistics Office for June shows an estimated inflation rate of 3.3% in the last 12 months, with the rise in energy products leading the surge.

“Currently, a near-record number of households are behind on their energy bills, so the last thing consumers need is another price hike,” Bonkers.ie head of communications Daragh Cassidy said.

“And although we're in the height of summer, meaning energy and heating costs won't be on many people’s minds right now, households are facing into another expensive winter, with energy prices around 70% to 80% higher than they were just a few years ago.”

Mr Cassidy said further bill increases cannot be ruled out over the coming months as wholesale gas and electricity prices remain high and the cost of maintaining and upgrading the energy grid continues to rise.

Meanwhile, organisations supporting households struggling to meet the rising cost-of-living on Tuesday urged the Government to take targeted action in this autumn’s Budget.

In its pre-budget submission, St Vincent de Paul said the Government should prioritise income adequacy, address rising child poverty especially in one-parent families, make early years education more affordable and protect households from the burden of high housing costs.

It called for a €15 per week increase in core working-age social welfare rates, an increase in the minimum wage from €14.15 to €15.40 an hour, and increasing the weekly fuel allowance payment by €4.

“Children are starting their mornings in cold homes and going to school tired and hungry, and missing out on the social and educational experiences that help shape childhood,” St Vincent de Paul national president Teresa Ryan said.

“For older people, it can mean carefully rationing heating, staying in unheated rooms, and going without essentials to make ends meet.”

“Increasing the core social welfare rate would provide much-needed support to households on low incomes who are struggling with these basic costs, particularly those relying on €254 per week or less.”