The number of homes in receipt of help from the St. Vincent de Paul to meet their fuel costs almost trebled over a 3 year period. The charity spent €10.3 million on fuel assistance in 2011. That is up from €3.79 million in 2008.

The charity has told the Energy Action Conference in Dublin that the most used energy source in the home is electricity followed by solid fuel, oil and gas.

It comes as the government is being warned that there is a real risk to people's lives through fuel poverty.

Experts from Europe and north America are gathering in Dublin today to discuss and influence European policy on fuel poverty. Organisers say it has become a priority because of the recession, unemployment and the introduction of carbon taxes across Europe.

65 million Europeans in fuel poverty

Since the beginning of recession fuel prices have risen dramatically and dependence on fuel allowances has jumped by 15 to 25%.

It is estimated that 65 million Europeans live in fuel poverty which is associated with more than 30,000 excess winter deaths in Europe per year.

The Head of Social Justice and Policy at the St. Vincent de Paul is John-Mark McCafferty.

Speaking at the Energy Action Conference he said many people are being forced to choose between food and heating their homes.