Water charge changes will cost €64m, says energy regulator

The energy regulator has told Government TDs that it will cost €64m to extend flat-rate water charges for all households in the country for an extra two years.

The Irish Examiner can reveal the relatively moderate extra cost of extending assessed charges for all homes until 2016 which the Government has signalled is now a likely option.

Amid pressure to agree support payments for homeowners, the figure will come as a relief to the Coalition who are struggling to address public anger over Irish Water and the new levy.