Taoiseach meets with energy providers over 'persistently high' prices 

The Taoiseach said the message is “very clear” that while recent price reduction announcements have been welcomed, they are not enough.

The Taoiseach met with the country's four major energy providers on Tuesday to send a “very clear message” on the need for further price reductions.

Leo Varadkar, together with Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, met with SSE Electricity, Bord Gáis Energy, Energia, and Electric Ireland to reiterate the Government's concern at “persistently high” energy prices.

Following the meeting, Mr Varadkar said he told the energy companies that “they must go further”.

The Taoiseach said the message is “very clear” that while recent price reduction announcements have been welcomed, they are not enough.

Companies including Airtricity, Electric Ireland, and Energia have all announced price cuts for consumers in recent weeks.

“I want to see further price reductions announced in the next few months and there will be help in the budget for householders with energy costs using the proceeds from the windfall tax,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said the meeting involved discussions on hardship funds, in addition to making sure there are arrangements in place around disconnections outside of the moratorium period for vulnerable customers in the lead-up to winter.

"I am particularly concerned about what companies are doing to help their most vulnerable customers and received commitments from them this afternoon that they will continue to help over the winter period,” he said.

He said the utilities regulator CRU, will make a decision on this year’s moratorium period shortly.

He said many households are “really struggling with increased bills”.

“They’ve announced a reduction in prices of between 10% and 20%, I don’t think that’s enough, I’ll be putting pressure on to bring prices down further over the winter,” he said.

Leo Varadkar said many households are “really struggling with increased bills”.

He reiterated that the windfall tax on the “very high profits” will be used to help reduce household bills.

“This will provide several hundred million euros, which we will use to help families and businesses with their energy bills. 

"We also took a special dividend out of the state-run companies, Bord na Móna, and ESB.

“These monies too will go to the exchequer and help fund ways to take the pressure off those who are struggling,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said in the longer term, the Government will continue to invest in renewables on a national scale “to reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuels and the volatility of international markets”.