Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
176. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total level of electricity and gas arrears, by quarter from 2020 to 2025, broken down by income group and welfare status; and if he will detail the actions his Department is taking to monitor arrears among households at highest risk of disconnection or long-term debt. [68945/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation.
However, officials from my Department correspond with the CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets, including the effect of Government supports on arrears levels, among other indicators.
The CRU releases market monitoring data monthly to the Department inclusive of key items such as estimated annual bills for households and those number of households in payment arrears on their electricity and gas bills. Specific information regarding income group or welfare status is not included in this data.
A breakdown of arrears figures from 2020 to 2025 is attached for information.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the CRU in relation to the matters raised. The CRU provides a dedicated email address, oireachtas@cru.ie, for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters.
