Serious concerns have been raised over the excessive call out charges from energy firm ESB.

A number of householders have contacted Sinn Fein informing the party that they have received bills that are higher than normal.

On Tuesday, 20 December, it was revealed that 27,000 ESB consumers had been issued letters in relation to the installation of faulty meters.

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady said: "Numerous callers have told me that they have received bills that are higher than normal and on contacting ESB Networks they have been made aware of the call out charge imposed on them if their meter is found to be without fault.

-- Advertisement --

"These are people who have not received one of the 27,000 letters issued by the ESB informing them of the situation.

"The ESB currently impose a call out charge of €127 which is excessive.

"Without doubt, such a charge is off putting for those who may be concerned about their meter but are unable to afford this cost especially, at this time of year.

"At this stage, it is impossible to know how many households have been affected and there may be people affected outside of the 27,000 households who have received letters.

"People that have been overcharged because of a faulty meter must be reimbursed as soon as possible; there can be no delay in rectifying this situation."

(CD/LM)