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Government must act to protect vulnerable customers if gas price hike is approved

Published 09/08/2013

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Age Action has warned that if the Commission for Energy Regulation grants the 7.22% price hike being sought by Bord Gais for its domestic customers it will cause further hardship for many older people this winter.

“Some older people are still paying off fuel large bills which were run up during the cold Spring,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.  “If gas prices rise by a further 7.22% it will leave an increased number of older people having to choose between food and fuel in the coming months.”

The older people’s charity believes the Government must act if the price increase is granted.  “The Government must live up to its commitment to protect the most vulnerable by reversing the fuel support cuts introduced in recent Budgets and ensuring that  every older person can afford to heat their home to a safe level,” he said.

Ireland has an excess winter death rate of between 1,500 and 2,000 deaths.  Many of these are older people who are dying from cold-related illnesses.  The high cost of energy is one of the factors contributing to these deaths.

In its pre-Budget submission, the older people’s charity highlighted the impact which the cumulative effect of successive austerity budgets were having on older people.  “While the State Pension has not increased since 2008, in the intervening period the price of gas has risen by 25.9%,” Mr Timmins said. “Now Bord Gais are seeking further increases.”

Age Action’s pre-Budget submission can be read at www.ageaction.ie/budget-2014

 

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Age Action Ireland to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland Survey

Gas Networks Ireland is raising money for Age Action. If you've recently called their contact centre or had work done by them, you might receive a text from Gas Networks asking for your feedback. For every response received, they'll donate €2 to Age Action. There is no obligation to participate.

How It Works - If you've had contact with Gas Networks Ireland service centre or had work carried out by them, you may receive a message from Marie Lyster, their Customer Experience Manager. This message is an invitation to share your feedback. 

By providing feedback – only if you choose to – you'll be supporting Age Action Ireland. For every piece of feedback received, Gas Networks Ireland will donate €2 to our organisation. This contribution can support our efforts to improve the lives of older people in Ireland.You won't be asked for any bank details or money. Gas Networks Ireland is handling all the donations.

If you would rather not get these texts, just let them know and you won’t be included.  If you are over 65yrs old, you can contact them directly on their Age-Friendly service.  See their contact details here.

For Corporate Clients- Please note that Gas Networks donate €50 for each qualitative interview their commercial customers take part in.

Details on Gas networks customer surveys is available here.

For more information about our work and other ways to get involved with Age Action, please click here.