Price hike ’must be justified’

THE Energy Regulator Tom Reeves will be asked to justify the latest 9% hike in electricity charges to an Oireachtas Committee next month.

There was uproar from consumer groups when the latest increase was announced earlier this month and another 3.5% increase is planned for next January.

Joint Oireachtas Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Committee chairman Deputy Noel O'Flynn said yesterday: “There have been three increases in electricity prices over the past 18 months and this is totally unacceptable to consumers - the regulator has questions to answer and that is why we have invited him in to justify these increases,” Deputy O'Flynn said.