Clare’s opposition TD claims Irish households are being “exploited”, in favour of data centres and multinational companies.
New figures show more than half of those behind on their electricity payments in May were in arrears for more than three months.
The latest data from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities indicates 328,273 customers are in arrears on their electricity bills.
This is 27,000 higher than May last year and is the highest level since the CRU began recording the data back in 2017.
The average household debt nationally is €512, while energy suppliers including Electric Ireland and Yuno Energy have increased prices in recent months.
Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan, says there’s no accountability around price hedging, and that reductions in costs are not being passed on to consumers.
Meanwhile, almost 195,000 households are in arrears on gas bills, which represents an increase of 12,000 on May of last year.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says Ireland must reduce its dependency on imported fossil fuels and improve the existing energy grid.
The Bodyke Deputy claims the Government is exploring all avenues to reduce the strain on families.
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