Regulator approves 4% ESB price rise

The energy regulator has approved a 4% increase in ESB prices for domestic customers just one week after a separate 9% increase took effect.

The regulator has also approved a 3.5% increase for large industrial customers. The increases are due to be implemented from January 1.

The Consumers' Association has described the planned hike as disgraceful and has called for the regulator, Tom Reeves, to be removed from office.

It said Mr Reeves had approved four ESB price increases totalling 40% in the four years since he took up the job.