Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has suggested that further financial supports could be on the way to help people struggling with rising energy bills.
Energy credits worth €200 are expected to start appearing on bills from November 1 onwards.
Minister Ryan relaunched the “reduce your use” campaign on Wednesday morning, advising people that the best way to save money this winter is to cut back on energy consumption.
READ MORE: School worker flabbergasted as two strangers turn up to collect girl - both claiming to be her dad
The campaign was announced alongside charity Alone and the Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS).
Mr Ryan said that supports and advice are already in place for people who are struggling to pay bills this winter.
He also indicated that further financial supports could be unveiled when the Energy Poverty Action Plan is launched in the coming weeks.
Minister Ryan also said that there will be further action taken to help those on pay-as-you-go energy.
“We will take further measures in the next two weeks,” he said.
“Our Department [of the Environment] will publish an action plan around energy poverty, having listened to the experts in terms of what's the best way of doing this.
“(We have a) clear message; We don't want anyone going cold this winter. We don't want anyone going without the heat and comfort that they need.
“If they're in any (sort of) difficulty in that regard, there are supports across a whole range of different ways where they can actually turn to.
“We have Alone, MABS, the local social welfare office, and the Government will back that up.
“There'll be further measures announced in the (Energy Poverty) Action Plan in the coming weeks.”
When asked if this included further financial measures, Minister Ryan said that it would.
He noted that the Government has said that it will continuously review measures as it is unclear how difficult the winter will be.
“We are prepared as a Government to do everything to get our people through a difficult period,” Minister Ryan continued.
“What the ESRI analysis shows is that those on the lowest incomes have been protected in the Budget to get through on the energy bill side.
“But there may be gaps. There may be people who don't, for one reason or another, have the necessary resources.
“In those circumstances, there are further supports to help them through this period.”
Government sources told the Irish Mirror that it is unclear what these financial supports may be as the Energy Poverty Action Plan is still being worked on.
One senior source said that consultation with charities and MABS will be required over the coming weeks to ensure that there are no “unintended consequences”. Measures must ensure, for example, that people are not put into debt.
The first of the energy credits unveiled as part of last month’s Budget will be placed on bills from November 1 onwards.
Two further credits, also worth €200, will be given to households in January and March 2023.
A nationwide campaign advising people to save money this winter by cutting down energy usage will be launched across the national media in the coming days. Advice booklets from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will also be published.
READ NEXT:
- Online flashing ban to be introduced with up to €20m fines for social platforms
James McClean lashes out at Sunderland and FA after alleged sectarian abuse
Family devastated after death of popular Tyrone man following alleged machete attack
'Heartbroken' Robbie Keane announces his mother has passed away
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
