ESB seeking 13% price rise this year

The ESB has reportedly applied for a price increase of up to 13% this year.

Reports this morning said the company was seeking the increase to fund a massive investment programme and because of growing international oil prices.

The reports said the energy regulator, who has approved ESB price rises totalling 24% since 2000, was expected to also approve the latest increase.

Responding to the reports this morning, Dermot Jewell of the Consumers’ Association said it was unreasonable to use soaring oil prices to justify massive increases because oil prices were expected to fall at some stage in the future.