The head of Bord Gais says they will bring in a moratorium on disconnections for the coldest 2 months of the year.

The energy company introduced the moratorium for December and January a number of years ago.

It comes after an increase in gas and energy prices in recent months.

Bord Gáis Energy announced last month that it was to increase its residential electricity prices by almost 5%.

It said the 4.8% rise would add 99 cent per week to the average electricity bill.

The group said the hike was driven by the increase in transmission and distribution charges as well as the jump in the wholesale cost of gas.

While Electric Ireland has also announced a price hike of almost 6% for its domestic electricity customers.

Speaking on Lunchtime here on Newstalk Bord Gais CEO Executive John Mullins outlined provisions that will be in place for elderly people from this month.

Related stories

href="http://www.newstalk.ie/2012/news/gas-prices-to-increase-by-8-5/">Gas prices to increase by 8.5%

href="http://www.newstalk.ie/2012/news/electric-ireland-to-raise-gas-electricity-prices/">Electric Ireland to raise gas, electricity prices

href="http://www.newstalk.ie/2012/news/airtricity-to-raise-prices-by-up-to-8-5-from-october/">Airtricity to raise prices by up to 8.5% from October