Division over ESB price increase

There were disagreements between ministers over the size of a proposed increase in electricity prices in May 1983.

State papers show that John Bruton, the industry and energy minister, sought State approval for a 12.7% increase in order to reduce the ESB’s deficit to £61.1m.

Bruton warned the ESB’s financial position would record a £118m deficit if no price increase was granted. However, Frank Cluskey, the trade and commerce minister, said he would only agree to a price increase up to just under 9.7%.