Households struggling with energy bills abandoned by Government in Budget 2026
Households struggling with energy bills abandoned by Government in Budget 2026 - The Labour Party
Labour’s Climate, Environment and Energy Spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has said that the failure of the Government to provide targeted energy credits for vulnerable households in Budget 2026 represents a devastating blow for struggling families. Responding to the publication of the Budget today, Deputy Ahern said the omission will plunge more and more people into energy poverty this winter, while Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and their Independent allies prioritise developers and drive-throughs over families trying to heat their homes.
Deputy Ahern said:
“Budget 2026 shows just how far out of touch this Government has become. There are over 300,000 people in arrears on their electricity bills and a further 185,000 on gas bills, yet Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Lowry Independents have kicked them to the curb. Families up and down the country tuned into the Budget today in despair, wondering how they’re going to keep their homes warm as we head into the winter months.
“In the weeks and months leading up to this Budget, we’ve seen almost every major energy company hike their prices once again, despite posting eye-watering profits. Many households had been hoping for a lifeline from Government today. The energy credits we’ve seen in previous Budgets — as imperfect as they were — helped people just about keep their heads above water. The fact that this Budget contains no targeted energy supports for vulnerable households is not just disappointing, it’s reckless.
“I’m struck by the utter cynicism of the Government parties. They were perfectly happy to issue blanket energy credits to everyone in previous years — including those who didn’t need them — in a blatant bid to buy votes with people’s own money. Now that they’re back in power, suddenly there’s no room to provide even the most at-risk households with help. The universal credits were first introduced three years ago; surely that’s enough time for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to have worked out how to target them effectively.
“Budget 2026 makes it clearer than ever whose side this Government is on. It’s not the side of those stuck in a perpetual cost-of-living crisis, worrying about how they’ll keep their homes warm this winter. Instead, it’s the same old story — a Government that always puts the interests of private developers and big business first. People deserve an explanation from Government as to why McDonald’s bottom line seems to matter more than protecting families from energy poverty.
“Labour is calling for immediate action to support households at risk of energy poverty this winter. Government must introduce targeted energy credits. No one in Ireland should have to choose between heating and eating.”