Sir, – When I lived in New York, New York Power and Light had a scheme or rescue fund to help people who, through no fault of their own, were unable to pay their utility bill.
It was simple, you gave an extra contribution of your choice, in your monthly cheque or direct debit, which was then deducted and placed in the rescue fund, which was then used to help “keep the lights on”.
Some eight or nine years ago I wrote to the then ESB and An Bord Gáis suggesting that they consider such a fund. But “no”, their data bases, etc, were not geared to do it.
I would suggest that anything is possible in this advanced technology age of 2012.
When I think of all those reconnection fees (€100) and outstanding bills that the St Vincent de Paul has paid to the ESB and An Bord Gáis and all the avoidable hardship visited upon little children and others in those nine years, I despair.
Many, I think, could afford a few euros per month, and would be pleased to contribute to such a fund if facilitated by the utility companies to do so. “Giving while living” as Chuck Feeney says. – Yours, etc,