Energy bills have emerged as the single most widespread and persistent financial pressure facing Irish households, with 68.5% of all adults identifying them as a top burden on their household budget, more than food, housing, transport, or taxes combined. The finding, from the Bpact Ireland Cost of Living Survey 2026, underscores a structural affordability crisis in energy that cuts across every age group, region, and income level.
Especially for older Irish the energy bills are primary budget pressures
The scale of the problem is particularly acute among older adults. Among those aged 65 and over, 77.6% identify energy bills as a primary household budget pressure. This is the highest rate of any age group and significantly above the national average. This cohort is disproportionately reliant on home heating, less mobile in switching energy providers, and more likely to be on fixed incomes that cannot absorb sustained price increases. While the 65+ group reports greater overall financial stability than younger cohorts, costs represent a concentrated and growing vulnerability for this population.
More than half of Irish adults have reduced their heating or energy use
Across all ages, the behavioural response to energy costs is stark: 54% of Irish adults have reduced their heating or energy use in the past 12 months specifically because of rising living costs. This is the single most commonly adopted coping behaviour in the survey, ahead of cutting leisure spending, delaying major purchases, or switching to own-brand groceries. In practice, it means a majority of Irish households are actively limiting their warmth and comfort at home as a financial necessity.
Energy bills affect all regions and across all demographic groups
The pressure is not confined to any single region. Energy bills are cited by 71% of respondents in the Northern and Western assembly area, 69% in the Southern region, and 67% in the Eastern and Midland region. This indicates that this is a nationwide structural problem rather than a localised affordability issue. It is equally cross-occupational: blue-collar workers (71%), white-collar workers (63%), civil servants (70%), and retired adults (78%) all identify energy as a top pressure.
About the survey
The Bpact Ireland Cost of Living Survey 2026 was conducted online between 1 and 20 April 2026 among a nationally representative sample of 1,795 Irish adults. Data was weighted to be representative of the Irish population by age, gender, and regional assembly area. Maximum margin of error: ±2.31%. Fieldwork and analysis: Bpact Ireland.
