Pensioner ‘in huge distress’ after receiving unexpected £800 energy bill

A pensioner was left “absolutely terrified” to turn on the heating and lights after receiving a €939 (around £800) energy bill.

Michael, who lives alone in a one-bedroom flat in Galway West, Ireland, contacted his constituency office about his unexpected energy bill.

His local MP explained his situation in Irish Parliament, stating he was in “huge distress” after receiving the energy bill.

Since receiving the £800 bill, Michael has been afraid to put on the heating and use electricity, the GalwayBeo reported.

TD Mairead Farrell, his local MP who raised his concerns in parliament, said: “€939 (around £800) is a staggering amount and a completely unaffordable amount.

“Michael lives alone in a one-bedroom flat and is absolutely terrified to put on the heat or put on the electricity.

“He tells me that he hasn’t been putting on the heat in months because he has been so worried.

“I contacted the provider on behalf of Michael and the only suggestion they had was that he could pay in instalments.

“For a man of 82 years of age, that’s completely unrealistic, a man who is already terrified about putting on the heating or putting on the electricity sitting alone at home with the lights off and the heating off.”

Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Prime Minister, explained he was “very sorry” to hear that the pensioner had received “such a big bill”.

He added that in these cases there are a number of options, such as paying in instalments or contacting the community welfare officer who “may be able to make an exceptional needs payment in that scenario”.

Around 130,000 Irish households have seen an increase in the cost of living as energy bills continue to rise following the return of higher unit prices.

The 130,000 customers, made up of 105,000 electricity and 29,000 gas users, switched suppliers last September in order to avail of discounted prices on their bills, however, these discounts are coming to an end this summer.