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28/10/2011
Rising Energy Prices 'Covered' For Those On Allowance
A reassurance has been issued to Ireland that it will not be left in the dark and cold this winter as energy and fuel prices soar.
The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton comforted those who receive the Electricity or Gas Allowance from the Department of Social Protection when she released a statement saying that the increased cost of energy will be covered in full by her Department.
The Electricity and Gas Allowances cover 1,800 units of electricity or an equivalent amount of gas for each person getting one of these allowances through the Household Benefits package.
Minster Burton said:"My Department will cover the cost of the price increases which came into effect from 1st October and maintain the value of these allowances at 1,800 units. In other words, the price increases will not have an impact on the Department of Social Protection customers who benefit from this support."
Some 396,000 pensioner and other households qualify for Electricity and Gas Allowances which help towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year.
The total cost of these allowances in 2011 is estimated to be €207 million, including the price increases which will cost over €4 million in 2011. The additional anual cost of the price increases is €17.3 million.
The Minister also noted that 82,000 customers on the allowance arrangement underused their allocation of 1,800 units.
This follows news that since December 2001, overall inflation has increased by 20.3% while energy product prices have increased by 75.2%.
Minister Burton continued: "I accept that the recent reduction in the Household Benefits package may be difficult for some people. I hope the fact that these new price increases will be covered by my Department will give reassurance to those who are supported by the Household Benefits package. I would also urge those people to bear in mind that if there are exceptional needs in relation to energy costs, community welfare officers can provide additional specific exceptional needs payments."
(LB)
The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton comforted those who receive the Electricity or Gas Allowance from the Department of Social Protection when she released a statement saying that the increased cost of energy will be covered in full by her Department.
The Electricity and Gas Allowances cover 1,800 units of electricity or an equivalent amount of gas for each person getting one of these allowances through the Household Benefits package.
Minster Burton said:"My Department will cover the cost of the price increases which came into effect from 1st October and maintain the value of these allowances at 1,800 units. In other words, the price increases will not have an impact on the Department of Social Protection customers who benefit from this support."
Some 396,000 pensioner and other households qualify for Electricity and Gas Allowances which help towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year.
The total cost of these allowances in 2011 is estimated to be €207 million, including the price increases which will cost over €4 million in 2011. The additional anual cost of the price increases is €17.3 million.
The Minister also noted that 82,000 customers on the allowance arrangement underused their allocation of 1,800 units.
This follows news that since December 2001, overall inflation has increased by 20.3% while energy product prices have increased by 75.2%.
Minister Burton continued: "I accept that the recent reduction in the Household Benefits package may be difficult for some people. I hope the fact that these new price increases will be covered by my Department will give reassurance to those who are supported by the Household Benefits package. I would also urge those people to bear in mind that if there are exceptional needs in relation to energy costs, community welfare officers can provide additional specific exceptional needs payments."
(LB)
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