Minister criticises ESB price rise

The Minister for Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern has said he opposed to another ESB price hike.

The semi-state company believes the increasing oil prices mean the modest price rise it had been planning will now need to be more substantial. It will apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation for the increase, which, if granted, will be passed onto the public early next year.

Speaking in Co Waterford, Mr Ahern said that, while he has no responsibility for the ESB, he is opposed to another price hike.

He said: “The ESB have enough liquidy in their company, they have enough efficiencies within their company to in effect negate any desire or need to apply for a prise rise. I think the ESB, more than any other semi-state company, should look very closely before applying for a price rise.”