Energy spending of Irish homes up 70% since 1990

CONSUMERS are spending 70% more on energy bills because we are living in bigger homes and have more luxury appliances.

While newer homes are better built, electricity usage has soared since the 1990s partly due to our fondness for appliances like microwaves, televisions and computers.

There was a stark warning yesterday that home owners’ penchant for “mod cons” will see bills soar with energy cost increases on the way. The Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) research noted that higher energy spending was particularly hitting poorer households.