New figures show surge in unpaid electricity bills

One in seven households were in arrears for electricity at the end of 2025.

Almost 320,000 households were behind on their energy bills last December, new figures show.

Data from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities shows the number of customers in arrears rose by more than 50,000 compared to December 2024.

Around 8% of household electricity were more than 90 days behind on payments while around 179,000 gas customers were also in arrears.

The average amount of electricity owed stands at €466 per household.