Up to 40% of Irish households could be facing fuel poverty this winter.
New research from the ESRI found 29 percent are struggling because of high energy costs, with 1 in 10 currently in fuel poverty.
Between January and April of this year, homeowners have seen their energy bills increase by an average of 21 euro 27 cent per week, that rises to 38 euro and 63 cent when motor fuels are included.
Co-author of the report and ESRI economist Dr Barra Roantree says government can help those most vulnerable.
