‘I couldn't even put the kettle on’
A pre-paid electricity customer has described living in constant fear of the meter running out ahead of a cost of living protest in the city next week.
John McCarthy, a carer from Mayfield, said he feels the Government has overlooked citizens using pre-paid energy and the very real possibility of their power being cut off.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, Mr McCarthy said he is “really feeling the pinch” since energy price hikes were introduced in Ireland on 1 October.
“I am not 100% sure of how long I'll get out of €20. That €20 was grand before but now I don't know how long I'm going to get out of it,” said Mr McCarthy.
“Micheál Martin in the Dáil said that nobody's going to be disconnected which wasn't true.”
Mr McCarthy said he gets a warning from his meter when he is down to his last €2 of credit, however, if that happens during the night, he and his family could be left with no power.
He said: “The problem we have is that between 10pm and 8am the following morning could be when we are down to our last €2, but it only tells you at 8am. So, that day I have to find at least €20 to put into the card.
“I'm paid on Thursday, so if this happens on a Wednesday or a Tuesday, I could be stuck with nothing. I couldn't even put the kettle on.”
Protest
On 12 November, Cork’s first cost of living protest since October’s energy price hikes will take place from Grand Parade at 2pm.
The protest, which is part of a nationwide day of action, aims to heap pressure on the Government to take immediate action against rising prices.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, Socialist Party TD Mick Barry said the Government must act to stop the profiteering that is “leaving people faced with a choice between heating and eating”.
“Obviously the €200 energy credits were part of the Budget package,” said Deputy Barry.
“I've spoken to people who have received gas and electricity bills in the last week and it's very clear that all that money is going to go to the energy companies who are making massive profits.
“Meanwhile, prices go up in the supermarkets, prices go up at the petrol pumps and (some) landlords have not stopped increasing rents.”
Deputy Barry said street protests can make a real difference and called on the people of Cork to come out and support those who are being impacted most by the cost of living crisis.
He said: “I think the street protests in Cork and Dublin in September did put pressure on the Government to go a bit further in the Budget than they had intended.
“I think the Government can come under fierce pressure in the new year to put in place an emergency budget and a new round of measures.
“With winter about to kick off, it's important that we keep the pressure on them and that's what 12 November is all about.”
Anyone wanting to take part in the protest are asked to gather on Grand Parade at 2pm on Saturday 12 November.