Höchste Zahl von Stromrechnungen in der Geschichte

The number of households in arrears on electricity bills reached a new record high in April, with 322,298 customers failing to meet their payments, according to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). This marks the largest increase in outstanding debt since the utility regulator began tracking such data in 2016. The figure represents 14% of all domestic electricity customers, a slight rise from the previous month's count of 318,735. Among these, 186,380 households owe more than three months' worth of electricity charges. The CRU has recorded a steady upward trend in arrears over the past several years. At the end of 2016, the agency noted 271,173 households in arrears, which accounted for approximately 13% of the total customer base. The current numbers indicate a continued escalation in financial strain among Irish households, particularly amid ongoing economic pressures. In addition to electricity, the number of domestic gas customers in arrears has also risen, reaching 185,940 households in April. Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan criticized the government for its handling of the crisis, calling the latest figures “another stain on the record of this Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Government.” She pointed out that the situation has worsened significantly since the government introduced a task force to address energy costs in June 2025. According to her, nearly 24,000 more households have fallen into arrears since the formation of the task force. Boylan further accused the government of undermining support for vulnerable families by removing energy credits in the October budget, resulting in an additional 22,000 households falling behind. The politician highlighted the disparity in how public funds are allocated, noting that the European Union approved a €300 million subsidy for large businesses, equivalent to providing each household with an energy credit of €125. She emphasized that the government’s decision to approve this funding while simultaneously increasing electricity costs through grid upgrades has exacerbated the problem. The CRU recently announced that households would face a €41 increase in energy costs to cover infrastructure improvements, while data centers would receive a €150,000 discount. Boylan argued that the government’s continued support for data centers, despite their role in driving up electricity prices, has contributed to the growing financial burden on ordinary citizens. She described this as a “scandal” given that Ireland now has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, with hundreds of thousands of households unable to keep up with their bills. Her comments reflect broader concerns about the impact of policy decisions on everyday consumers, especially during times of economic uncertainty. As the situation continues to evolve, officials and lawmakers are under pressure to provide clearer solutions for households facing financial hardship. While the government has yet to announce specific measures aimed at reducing the backlog of unpaid bills, the debate over energy affordability and support for vulnerable groups shows no signs of abating. With inflation remaining elevated and living costs continuing to climb, the challenge of balancing economic priorities with social welfare remains a pressing issue for policymakers.