l initiative has been launched by Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People to help older people reduce their electricity and gas bills at a time when living costs continue to rise and government energy supports have ended.
The project was developed in response to ongoing concerns from older people who say their heating and energy bills are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. With no government contribution planned for 2026, many older residents are facing higher costs without additional assistance.
Dave Turner from Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People said the rising cost of living is placing significant pressure on older people in Drogheda and the surrounding area, particularly those living on fixed incomes. Energy bills are among the most common worries raised by people engaging with the service.
Older people are often reluctant to change energy suppliers due to a preference for familiarity and security. Many believe staying with a long standing provider is safer or will result in better service, while others fear disruption, mistakes or power being cut off during a switch. Some have never changed suppliers or negotiated a better rate and may have been paying the highest tariffs for years without realising it.
Concerns about paperwork, online systems and long phone calls can also act as barriers. DDS4OP said these issues are removed through the service, which manages the entire process on behalf of the individual.
The initiative supports people by comparing prices, identifying cheaper plans and handling all forms and phone calls. Staff remain with the person throughout the process to ensure everything is completed safely and correctly. There is no cost involved, no pressure to proceed and no obligation to switch.
DDS4OP new service can make a real difference, with many people seeing savings of between 15 and 30 percent on their energy bills, while also gaining reassurance and peace of mind. They regularly encounter people who remain on expensive plans simply because it feels safer not to change, even when better options are available.
Dave said the project’s success is rooted in the organisation’s role as a trusted and well established local charity, with a strong community focus and no hidden agenda, dedicated solely to supporting older people.
Older people and their families are encouraged to get in touch if they are unsure about reaching out. DDS4OP said many people have already been helped through the service, and that deciding not to proceed after exploring options is always respected.
Switch Today and Save Tomorrow Campaign:
- We will help you compare prices and find a cheaper plan
- We will manage all the forms and phone calls
- We will make sure that everything is done safely and correctly
- We will remind you when your contract is ending and start the process again
- There will be no charge, no pressure and no confusion, just local people helping local people
- If you cannot make a visit to our office, we will plan to visit you in your own home
