Bord Gáis will give €1 million to those most struggling to pay bills during the freezing weather, it said today.
The money will be channelled through charities St Vincent de Paul and Alone.
Bord Gáis Energy managing director David Bunworth said the money would be aimed at the elderly and most vulnerable.
"We are conscious that the very cold weather has meant that customers need to use more gas to stay warm," he said.
"Although gas prices are down 25 per cent since last year, we know that with the current economic and weather conditions some customers will still have difficulty meeting their gas bills."
Mr Bunworth urged customers, particularly the elderly, to ensure they keep warm during the prolonged cold spell.
Earlier this week, householders were promised reduced gas bills - but not until next month.
The Commission for Energy Regulation - which oversees Bord Gáis and ESB prices - came under fire for not cutting prices ahead of the winter.
The regulator has approved an 8 per cent drop in gas bills for homes and smaller businesses, to come into effect on February 1st, when the worst of the current freezing conditions are expected to be over.
St Vincent de Paul, Fine Gael and Labour said the price reductions should have been introduced long before the onset of winter.