Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan said that Irish households are at “breaking point” following the publication of the latest energy debt, arrears and disconnection figures published by the CRU.
The figures, which relate to February of this year, show a “grim situation,” per Boylan, with the figures being compiled prior to the beginning of the American and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Boylan said that energy arrears are at “critically high” levels, with 316,838 households in arrears in February, the second-highest figure on record.
The figures mark a 23% increase compared to the same time period in 2025.
The number of households in debt for over 90 days has increased to 191,374, up 23% (35,777) on the same time last year, and continuing to edge higher month-on-month.
Boylan commented that the figures were “especially worrying to see after the worst of the winter had already passed.”
At the same time, the level of debt has reached new highs; the average amount owed now stands at €492.75, an increase of €64.94 on last year.
In total, households owe over €156 million to electricity suppliers. A further €37 million is owed by households to gas companies bringing the total owed to energy companies to €193 million.
Disconnections have risen sharply, with 154 recorded in February 2026 compared to 116 in February 2025 – an increase of 33%.
197 disconnections have already occurred so far this year, up 64% on the same period last year.
Boylan said the figures indicate that households are reaching “breaking point.”
“Taken together, these figures show a sustained and worsening problem,” she said.
“More households are falling into arrears, debts are getting deeper, and disconnections are accelerating.
“Without government intervention, there is a real risk that energy poverty will continue to intensify. People need energy credits in the short term, while in the long term, the government must use the presidency of the EU to push forward real reform of the electricity market,” Boylan said.