Energy Prices

Thursday, 18 December 2025

Questions (153, 163, 166)

Cathy Bennett

Question:

153. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his proposals to support consumers financially burdened by rising energy prices. [72994/25]

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163. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the information he received from his officials regarding the impact of the withdrawal of energy credits on the number of people living in arrears; his reasoning for withdrawing the credits in this context; the steps he is taking to reduce the number of people in arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72817/25]

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Paul Murphy

Question:

166. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will take any new measures to reduce or offset energy costs for households in light of the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72886/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 163 and 166 together.

In recent years, Government introduced a suite of measures to help households and businesses deal with higher energy costs. This included the provision of electricity credits to households worth €1,500 over four credit schemes, with a total cost of €3.3 billion. These universal credits were always envisaged as temporary, emergency measures because, while necessary at the time, they are not fiscally sustainable nor do they address the structural drivers of high energy costs.

The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established in June of this year to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the taskforce, which was published last month, set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. Many of these options were reflected in Budget decisions. Examples of targeted Budget measures aimed at improving energy affordability include:

• the Fuel Allowance increasing by €5 per week to €38, supporting over 450,000 households who most require Government assistance to meet their energy costs;

• to directly support working families, the Fuel Allowance has been extended to recipients of the Working Family Payment. This will benefit over 43,000 families;

• from September 2026, those who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will be able to retain the Fuel Allowance for five years; and

• record funding of €558 million is being allocated for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the solar PV scheme) in 2026. This allocation will support the highest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme, which is targeted at households in energy poverty.

In addition, the VAT reduction (from 13.5% to 9%) on electricity and gas bills has been extended to the end of 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.

It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills. There are also a range of CRU customer protections are in place, including disconnection moratoria.

The National Energy Affordability Taskforce is now preparing an engagement and consultation process to inform the development of an action plan to be published mid-2026.

Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 120.