Sligo-Leitrim Deputy Marian Harkin says the government is 'putting the cart before the horse' with its advice on energy savings.
The Independent Deputy says people who are afraid to open their electric bills need information on exactly how much help they're going to get, rather than tips on saving power.
She says the government needs to cap electricity prices, and put heavy taxes on the energy companies who are profiting on the backs of ordinary people.
The Sligo TD says households and businesses need some certainty so they can begin to plan their budgets for the next six to nine months.
"Most people are really dreading their next bill but some people will be afraid to open their next bill because they know they just won’t be able to pay it. Of course we need advice on how to save energy so it’s a little bit of the cart before the horse. All the advice we can take can be loaded up on that cart but we need to see the specific measures that the government will take so the people can begin to breathe again."
