TDs and senators seek gas and electricity price freeze

TDs and senators have called on the energy regulator to stall all proposed gas and electricity price increases for a year to ease costs for cash-strapped businesses.

The call comes as business and domestic customers face a possible 5.8% increase in electricity costs and a 4.2% rise in gas prices from January 1, having already endured increases of 17.5% and 20% respectively in September.

Members of the Oireachtas committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment voted unanimously for a motion by Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy urging the energy regulator to impose a moratorium for the next 12 months.