Cheaper electricity on cards as ESB allowed compete with rivals

CONSUMERS are set to benefit from cheaper electricity from next month after the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) announced it is to allow the ESB to compete with its rivals on price for the first time in a decade.

The decision to deregulate the domestic electricity market will enable Electric Ireland — the new name for ESB’s supply business — to set its own prices from April 4 without needing prior approval from the energy regulator.

The move is likely to trigger increased competition between Electric Ireland and its main competitors, Bord Gáis and Airtricity, as well as other suppliers — a development which should lead to lower electricity prices.