Electric Ireland to hike prices by almost 6%

Customers of Electric Ireland are being hit on the double.

The energy firm has announced a price hike of almost 6% from October 1 for its domestic electricity customers.

Its also confirmed it will also implement the 8.5% price hike for gas customers which was sanctioned by the Commission for Energy Regulation earlier this week.

The St Vincent de Paul said on Wednesday that Bord Gais' 8.5% increase in prices would put additional pressure on struggling families.

Electric Ireland estimates its electricity price hike will add €1.22 per week to the average residential bill.