Industry spared but home electricity costs rise 50%

Irish households saw a jump of almost 50% in the cost of their electricity over four years while the price industry pays is lower and has not seen such an increase.

The latest figures released by Eurostat show that before taxes, Irish electricity is the most expensive in the EU for medium-sized households, and the third costliest when taxes and Vat is included.

The figures confirm the recent Irish Examiner revelations that the Fianna Fáil-Green party coalition in October 2010 deliberately decreased electricity costs for large energy users, and agreed that this could be recouped from householders.