Electric Ireland to retain low use charge

Power company Electric Ireland says it will not change its “less costs more” policy despite a backlash against its extra charge for customers who do not use “enough” electricity.

The Consumer Association of Ireland branded the policy “very unfair” after it emerged the company, called ESB up to the start of the year, is hiking up the bills of more than 100,000 domestic customers who are classified as low users.

Low usage is measured at two units of electricity or less per day, compared to average household use of about 14 units per day, and Electric Ireland said the new charges would mainly affect owners of second homes such as holiday homes or unrented investment properties that are vacant most of the time.