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Rory Mackenzie, who lives near Tipperary town, was treated for kidney cancer five years ago and undergoes dialysis at home. Photo: Don Moloney

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Rory Mackenzie, who must undergo life-saving home dialysis treatment every second day, is one of many people with serious medical conditions or disabilities who are dreading winter with the prospects of runaway energy bills and the threat of blackouts.

M r Mackenzie (52), from Monard, near Tipperary town, needs the four-hour haemodialysis treatment to stay alive after being treated for kidney cancer five years ago.

“Our electricity bill has already more than doubled since last year and increases keep coming,” he said.

While he spends four hours on the machine every second day, it is operating for much longer and using power to perform cleaning and other essential functions.

He is also facing into another possible regime of treatment after cancer was recently diagnosed in his lymph nodes.

“Because of my condition I really feel the cold and the cost of oil is another worry. I have to keep warm,” he added.

He is particularly concerned at the prospect of electricity blackouts and how they will affect his ability to undergo vital dialysis. He has opted for home dialysis instead of going to hospital, which is a saving for the HSE, but the uncertainty around blackouts is a major concern.

Mr McKenzie, a father of two sons, had to give up work. He said his wife Sheila has a job outside the home and is able to claim back tax for their electricity bill at 20pc.

While this is welcome, it is just around €2,000 and a drop in the ocean compared to what they are paying out now – and will be over the winter. He said people working from home can claim 30pc and the difference is one measure that should be looked at by the Government.

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“I have switched suppliers but they are all going up in price now. If you register as a vulnerable customer they will not cut you off during winter but they will come chasing you for the outstanding amount,” Mr Mackenzie said.

His concerns are echoed by Dr Margaret Kennedy (69), from Greystones in Wicklow, who has Parkinson’s disease and other medical conditions, leaving her a full-time wheelchair user.

Dr Kennedy, who lives with her twin sister Ann, who also has disabilities, said: “I have an electrical hospital bed. If the electricity goes down it will stop functioning. My sister has a sleep apnoea machine which needs power.

“We are still trying to figure out what we will do with the heating. It is very stressful.”

The Irish Kidney Association said while some people can claim some of the energy costs back against tax paid, the reimbursement is after 12 months and it is not viable if they cannot afford the bills upfront.

Carol Moore, chief executive of the association, is calling for a campaign by energy providers to encourage people who rely on electricity for health and life-support to register as vulnerable customers.

The association also wants 100pc grants for renewable energy systems for the homes of patients with complex medical needs.  

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