You can't escape the energy price hikes but consumers can blunt the edge

Soaring energy prices will hit consumers hard this coming winter, but there are some things you can do, writes John Hearne

Electric Ireland's latest price increase will add almost €450 a year to the average customer’s electricity bill, and over €500 a year to their gas bill. This increase, along with increases from other utility providers, will be of concern to homes struggling financially. Picture: PA

The winter of energy discontent beckons. Last week, SSE Airtricity announced that from October 1, its electricity prices will go up by no less than 45.2%, while the unit price of gas will go up by 46.3%.

Its electricity standing charge for both gas and electricity is also going up by 8%. The move will impact around 250,000 electricity customers and 85,000 gas customers.