A new €10 million fund to address energy poverty will be put in place to help those struggling to pay bills under plans going to Cabinet this morning.
Eamon Ryan will seek Government approval for a new Energy Poverty Action Plan. As part of the new plan, a new fund of €10 million will be put in place to provide support for those “at risk of energy debt”, including Pay As You Go gas and electricity customers.
People will be able to avail of additional funding over the winter months and into the first quarter of 2023. The plan will also provide further advice to people at risk of energy poverty.
In order to ensure that the most vulnerable people can access financial supports and credits for electricity and gas quickly and easily, they will be advised to contact their suppliers directly or to go to their Local Department of Social Protection office in order to access the additional needs payment. People will also be advised to seek support from groups and charities such as MABS, St Vincent de Paul or Alone.
This new €10m fund is in addition to the range of proven actions taken by Government to address the rising cost of energy. These include the €1.2 billion Electricity Costs Emergency Scheme, the additional lump sum Fuel Allowance Payment of €400, the Reduce Your Use/Stay Warm and Well Communications Campaign and the strengthened consumer protection measures mandated by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Minister Ryan is expected to provide further details of the plan, including longer-term strategies to address energy poverty, following this morning’s Cabinet meeting.
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