In the worst case scenario estimates, 10% of peoples' incomes would be spent on energy.
The ESRI predicts that if price increases were to double again, a total of 69.2% of people would be deemed to be living in 'energy poverty'.
The research institute presented their estimates to the government's 'emergency energy group' .
Their findings - that were privately drafted - were released to the Irish Times under Freedom of Information.
According to the CSO, the cost of energy products increased by a total of 48% in the year until July.
