Electricity prices may rise due to carbon emissions

ESB customers could be facing another price hike.

It seems likely that penalties for exceeding carbon emission targets will be passed on to the public.

A European Commission report has found that Ireland exceeded its allowance by 17% last year, which was the highest level in Europe.

The Commission for Energy Regulation said the cost of electricity would rise if the levels of carbon emissions were not reduced.

Dermot Jewell from the Consumers Association says the regulator needs to step in to stop these price increases.

“Realistically it is going to have to come down to the regulator to decide,” Mr Jewell said this morning.

“Without a doubt, the regulator is going to have to consult widely with as many representatives of consumers as possible, especially the Consumers Association of Ireland, because affordability is a very key issue.”