Utility price rises to add €150 a year to household bills

The Consumers Association of Ireland has said there is no justification for increases to the cost of gas and electricity.

From today, the country's four GAS providers - Bord Gáis Energy, ESB Electric Ireland, Airtricity and Flogas - are all increasing their domestic gas prices.

The ESB is also increasing its electricity prices by 15%.

Its two rivals in the electricity market, Bord Gáis and Airtricity, have already raised their prices by 12%.

The price hikes are expected to add more than €150 a year to the average gas and electricity bill.

Michael Kilcoyne of the Consumers Association of Ireland has says it is a blow to homeowners.