Consumer gas bills to rise by €25 a month
The increase was approved last month by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) following complaints from Bord Gáis that rising gas prices had added €150 million to its costs.
The new price rise, which came into effect yesterday, applies to domestic and small commercial and industrial users.
The latest increase comes on top of a 25% increase exactly a year ago.
The CER said it regretted the unprecedented rise for consumers but said it would promote competition and safeguard supplies in the long term.
Bord Gáis described the increase as “hugely regrettable” but added that it was unavoidable due to global market conditions outside the company’s control.
It also promised to pass on future savings to customers.
Fine Gael senator Fergal Brown said rising energy costs in Ireland were a result of the Government’s failure to liberalise the market.
“The Government is set to reap a massive windfall off the backs of consumers and businesses when electricity and gas prices rise yet again,” he said.
“Last year the Government took €223m in VAT from electricity and gas bills, and is set to receive an even bigger take this year.”
