Electric Ireland to 'review' letter sent to pensioner over €16 arrears

An energy company's aggressive debt collection tactics have drawn criticism after an elderly, recently widowed pensioner received a threatening letter over a small arrears of around €16. Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath, raised the case, describing the letter from Electric Ireland as "aggressive and intimidating." He highlighted that the pensioner, who is in poor health, was already paying €80 weekly on a €75 per week payment plan to clear approximately €800 in arrears.

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an aggressive and intimidating arrears letter warning of possible cancellation of his payment plan and implied disconnection

McGrath stated the man had fallen under financial pressure due to funeral costs and the rising cost of living. The arrears letter, warning of potential cancellation of his payment plan and implied disconnection, caused him "significant fear and upset." The TD expressed concern that such cases are becoming frequent, stating, "This is not how we treat vulnerable pensioners, or anyone else for that matter."

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This is not how we treat vulnerable pensioners, or anyone else for that matter.

The TD also pointed to the significant profits reported by ESB, Electric Ireland's parent company, which posted €636 million in pre-tax profits and €2.7 billion in capital investment last year. "At a time when ESB is reporting enormous profits, their retail arm is issuing fear‑inducing letters to elderly widowers over a paltry 16 euro," McGrath said, calling the situation "beyond comprehension."

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At a time when ESB is reporting enormous profits, their retail arm is issuing fear‑inducing letters to elderly widowers over a paltry 16 euro. It is beyond comprehension.

Electric Ireland has stated it does not comment on individual customer accounts but has requested the customer's details to review the case and engage directly.

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However, we have requested the customer details so we can review the case and engage directly with them.