Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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174. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the latest switching rates for domestic electricity and gas customers; the actions his Department is taking to increase switching among households on high tariffs; and the steps being taken to improve transparency in billing and tariff information. [68933/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation 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 switching levels within the retail market, among other indicators.

The latest figures compiled by the CRU outline that 48,216 electricity customers switched supplier in September 2025. This was an increase of 31.86% compared to August 2025, and an increase of 51.59% on September 2024.

Within the retail gas market, 15,765 customers switched supplier in September 2025, an increase of 26.95% compared to August 2025, and an increase of 36.98% on September 2024. More detailed information on switching trends is available in the CRU Change of Supplier report for September 2025, available on the CRU website: www.cru.ie/publications/28899/.

Switching energy providers has the potential to save households hundreds of euros annually by moving from their current tariff to the cheapest deals available. The CRU has announced an enhanced communications campaign to increase customer engagement with the energy market and customer energy rights. Additionally, the National Energy Affordability Taskforce will examine the potential of retail energy market regulatory reforms to empower consumers and ensure the market provides value for households and businesses.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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175. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department will produce a targeted arrears reduction plan for households facing long-term energy debt, including supports for at-risk customers, actions to prevent the escalation of arrears, and the timeline for transitioning from universal energy credits to targeted supports. [68934/25]

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the options for assistance with meeting high energy and heating bills for individuals and families; if it is intended to provide supports given the difficulty for households in meeting these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68959/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 177 together.

The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and commits to bringing forward measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty. Government has introduced a suite of measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy. In Budget 2026, Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity until 31 December 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.

From January 2026, the Fuel Allowance payment will increase by €5 to €38 per week equating to an increase of more than 15%. This will provide an additional €140 to over 450,000 recipients during the annual fuel allowance season. This payment has also been expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment. In addition, people moving from the Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work from September 2026 will keep their Fuel Allowance for five years. The Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.

It is important to note that under the Supplier Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection. In addition, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has put in place a range of other regulatory protections to support consumers.

My Department has also established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The work programme of the taskforce will examine how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty. The taskforce has developed an interim report, which set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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176. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government 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]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation 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.