Industry: Hike in electricity levy hurts economy

Some of the country’s biggest industries and largest employers have claimed a large rise in a government levy on electricity bills will damage the Irish economy.

A large number of leading firms have complained to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) about a 23% rise in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy that is imposed on all electricity customers.

Although their comments were made when the CER originally proposed a 36% increase in the PSO levy, they remain concerned that rising electricity costs will have an adverse effect on the economy in terms of enterprise development, job creation, job security and cost competitiveness.