Electric Ireland says it is seeking to “review” a case involving a letter sent to an elderly pensioner who was reportedly in arrears of about €16. Multiple outlets report that an Independent TD, Mattie McGrath, raised the issue after receiving details about the correspondence sent to a man in his 80s who had recently been widowed.
According to the reports, the pensioner received an arrears letter that was described as aggressive, intimidating, and fear-inducing. The correspondence allegedly warned about potential consequences for his payment plan and implied that his electricity supply could be disconnected, despite the relatively small balance owed.
RTE and other outlets state that Electric Ireland responded to the criticism by saying it would review the case after the matter was raised in the Dáil. The Irish Independent also quotes a reaction that the reported approach is not how vulnerable pensioners should be treated. The company’s next steps are described as a review of the circumstances surrounding the letter and the communication used in the arrears process.
