Govt urges people facing financial stress over winter to avail of supports

The Irish government is urging householders and businesses to avail of social and financial supports ahead of the winter period. 

The 'Reduce Your Use' campaign - announced today (October 20) at the ALONE offices in Dublin -  is running alongside key partners such as the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities), MABS (Money and Budgeting Advice Service), ALONE and SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland). 

The 'Reduce Your Use' page and hashtag #ReduceYourUse provides a signpost to specific, existing sources of help that are out there to help people identify appropriate supports for their needs over the coming winter. 

As part of the multi-media campaign, an information leaflet detailing how to access government supports and advice on how to be more conscious about energy usage will also be delivered to every home in the country. 

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said, "The research we carried out shows clearly that everyone feels affected by the energy crisis. However, some groups in our society are more affected than others such as older people; people on lower incomes; people with young families, for example. The government is acutely aware of the difficulties people are facing. 

"This new phase of Reduce Your Use is, first and foremost, about providing clear information to people about the supports, help and advice that is available, from Government firstly, and also through specialist groups like MABS or ALONE, for example. 

"We are also encouraging families and businesses to save money by being efficient in their energy use, but only when it is safe to do so. It is important that everyone stays warm and well." 

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) plays a key role in protecting energy consumers. Additional customer protection measures in place for this winter include extended moratoriums on disconnections, extended repayment periods for customers in debt, and reduced debt burdens on Pay-as-You-Go customers. 

Aoife MacEvilly, chairperson of the CRU, said, "While this winter will be a challenging time in the face of rising energy costs, it is important for all energy customers to know that there is a wide range of specific measures in place to protect them. Over the last number of months, the CRU has been particularly focused on the customers who may find themselves in the greatest difficulty, including vulnerable customers, customers who may fall into debt and customers on financial hardship prepayment meters.

"The new enhanced customer protection measures announced in August will provide an additional layer of reassurance to those customers over the next number of months. The CRU will continue working with suppliers, our Customer Stakeholder Group and the department on the implementation of these measures this winter."

SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) is Ireland's national sustainable energy authority, working with householders, businesses, communities and Government. 

Speaking at today’s event, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said, "We are working in very close partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications – to help everyone reduce their energy use, now and for good. This starts with advising householders and businesses how to reduce their energy bills through changing habits, better practice and often common-sense guidance on heating and electricity.

"We are also delighted to see the huge interest in our government-funded grants for home energy upgrades, helping homeowners to improve the comfort of their homes while reducing their energy bills and harmful CO2 emissions. These schemes provide options and solutions for all budgets and all levels of ambition."

MABS is the state-funded Money Advice and Budgeting Service and is available to those struggling with debt (including utility bills) or at risk of getting into debt and need help. 

Karl Cronin, National Spokesperson, MABS, said, "MABS is delighted to work with the government on this campaign. Electricity and heating costs are priority expenses for every household and should be budgeted for accordingly. Where possible, weekly payments should be made towards electricity and heating costs to keep them under control and avoid arrears building up and becoming a problem.

"There are a number of supports available for households struggling to meet these costs. Advice and information on these are available from our MABS Helpline and our network of MABS offices. No one should be left without light or heat this winter – MABS is here to help." 

ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. Any older person who has concerns about their energy costs, finances, health, housing, or wellbeing this winter can call ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line – for access to services, advice and information, by calling 0818-222-024, 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. 

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said, "We know from the older people we work with that many are very concerned about their energy costs this winter, and have been feeling the impact of rising costs for some time. We are pleased to work with Government on the Reduce Your Use campaign to highlight that older people should not restrict their energy usage in ways that could impact their health this winter.

"Keeping warm and well is not just an issue of comfort, but a health issue. ALONE staff and volunteers are in place nationwide – to offer practical support and to coordinate services for and with older people to address their energy needs this winter, whether that is support with paying a bill, advice on how to minimise your energy costs while staying well, linking you in with relevant practical supports, or if you are simply concerned about the winter to come." 

For more information on available supports and energy saving advice, click here.