Irish Households Hit Record Electricity Arrears in April 2026

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities reported that domestic electricity arrears in Ireland reached a record high of 322,298 households in April 2026. This figure represents 14% of all domestic electricity customers, with 186,380 households behind on payments by more than three months. The average electricity debt per account was €515.77.

Gas arrears showed even higher prevalence, with 27% of domestic customers in arrears and 20% in long-term arrears. Non-domestic arrears also affected 13% of electricity and 20% of gas customers. Despite winter protections, authorities disconnected 168 domestic electricity and 69 domestic gas customers, as well as 28 non-domestic customers.

Lynn Boylan, a Sinn Féin MEP, condemned the Government of Ireland for failing to provide adequate household support, citing the cancellation of energy credits in the October budget. Boylan criticized the state for granting a €300 million subsidy to large businesses and offering network charge discounts to data centers while residential costs rise to fund grid upgrades. She urged the state to prioritize residential grid improvements over data center demands during Ireland's EU presidency.