Energy users hit with double price rise

Cash-strapped consumers have been dealt another financial blow with Electric Ireland confirming it will increase both its electricity and gas prices from Oct 1.

The state-owned firm, formerly known as ESB, became the second energy provider this week to announce a sharp rise in energy costs for its customers.

The price hike by Electric Ireland will see electricity costs jump by 5.9%. It will add just over €63 per annum to the average household electricity bill for the company’s 1.3m residential customers.