Households could see their gas and electricity cut next month if they haven’t paid their bills as a temporary pause is set to be lifted.
The 42-week moratorium on disconnections will be lifted on June 1 and consumers are urged to contact suppliers over debts built up since March last year.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities announced the normal default sanction will be restored after it was suspended as Covid-19 threatened mass job losses.
It has also recorded an upward trend in debts building up for customers and they have warned long-term debt may be a challenge for suppliers and customers.
CRU chief Aoife MacEvilly said: “The moratoriums served to provide an additional layer of protection to gas and electricity customers at a difficult time.
“As the Covid restrictions ease and society and the economy opens up again, the time has come to revert to the standard high levels of protection of that exist for customers.
“We encourage customers to get in touch with their supplier as early as possible if they are experiencing difficulty in paying bills or wish to establish their eligibility to register as a vulnerable or priority customer.
“We also recommend customers submit regular meter readings to their supplier. The CRU will continue to monitor the market to ensure customers are given the full protections.
“All customers must be offered a reasonable and affordable debt recovery option which takes account of individual circumstances.
“This could be a payment plan or a pre-payment meter. Customers that engage and take one of these options will not be disconnected.
“The timing of the lifting of the moratorium in advance of the warmer summer months where energy consumption is traditionally lower, will provide further scope for customers to engage with their suppliers.
“The moratoriums were put in place to provide a temporary respite from disconnection.
“Customers should also be aware of their rights and the range of measures that are in place to protect them on an ongoing basis.”
