Concerns have been raised after it was revealed 61% of households went cold last winter to save on their energy bills.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, said that one quarter of households in Ireland regularly turning off their heating in the winter is deeply worrying.

He said: "This research confirms a trend where disconnections are up as energy prices continue to rise. Last month we heard that 5,000 households had their electricity or gas cut off this year.

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"The interest of the consumer is not being looked after by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), and its performance in this critical role is again being called into question.

"Since this Government came to office, gas prices are up 35% and electricity prices are up 21% in that period. Since 2011, the average household are paying €450 extra per year for their electricity and gas.

"I have previously called on the new Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, to convene a meeting with the CER to seek an explanation for its performance.

"Unfortunately, it is still not clear whether the new Minister's shares his predecessor's scant interest in the consumer but I hope this attitude changes."

(CD/JP)