Electric Ireland has announced that it will increase electricity and gas prices from April 1.

Energy price hikes taking effect over the winter months will force low-income households to go without heat and light, according to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

A fourth energy supplier has signalled that it is to hike its gas and electricity prices.

Ireland is one of the most expensive countries for household electricity and gas prices in Europe, new data shows.

Households will incur gas and electricity price rises of up to 12.8% from tomorrow, as companies raise charges in the domestic energy market.

Householders are facing increases of up to 9.3% on their electricity bills and as much as a 12.8% hike on gas prices following announcements that tariffs are to rise across a number of utilities in the energy market.

Consumers could be in for a summer of significant energy price hikes, an independent price comparison and switching service has warned.

The ESB is preparing to adjust its charges according to the time of day.

A series of advertisements for energy company Pinergy fronted by Irish rugby captain Paul O’Connell have been banned for “misleading” consumers.

Almost 16,000 people have signed up to the Big Energy Switch — just over a week after the campaign to unlock group discounted electricity and gas was launched.