Half of Irish households are forced into debt just by paying essential bills. New research by uSwitch.ie shows that 63% of us into savings or accept money from friends and family to get by, which is up from 57% on the 2012 figure.

While 10% are borrowing money from their bank to pay bills. Half of consumers say they are resorting to using credit cards and overdrafts to pay their bills.

Electricity is the biggest bill that causes people the most worry, with 55% stating that the rising cost of energy is hitting their pockets hard.

Over 50% of consumers feel that rising cost of energy bills is severely affecting their disposable income. While half say they are resorting to using credit cards and overdrafts to pay their bills.

The findings reveal that Irish households are still struggling to stay afloat and keep on top of mounting energy bills and other utility bills - despite recent consumer outlook surveys.

"Consumers are continuing to struggle to find ways to raise cash for their bills however they can. The rising cost of electricity continues to prove to be the biggest bill concern for households, with nearly half of consumers feeling major financial pressure from this energy bill" uSwitch.ie says.

Eoin Clarke, head of uSwitch.ie, says "These figures highlight that the high cost of energy has become increasingly unaffordable for many households. Consumers are continuing to find themselves under huge financial pressure, with the rising costs of living, rent and mortgage payments, leaving some people overwhelmed with bill worries".

"Our research shows that the average energy bill has rocketed by over €500 per year in the last three years alone, due to the increase of unit prices and standard charges. Therefore it is so important to ensure that consumers are paying the lowest possible price for their energy bills and also cut down on any unnecessary energy usage in order to save some much needed cash" he added.