Regulators blamed as bills soar by 40%

HARD-PRESSED householders have seen their electricity and VHI bills rise by 40% in just four years — with the price of gas almost doubling.

The Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) compared bills at the start of 2003 with prices today and found crippling rises in excess of inflation.

During the four years inflation rose 13% overall but the average Bord Gáis bill went up a staggering 83% from €99 to €181 for two months’ supply.