Claims of ESB overcharging to make 'super-normal profits' referred to Europe

Barry Cowen accused the ESB of using the Republic’s shortage of generating capacity and its dominant position in the market to “increase tenfold the wholesale price of power”

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly and former Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen (pictured) has sent documents supporting his claims to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, and the European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Claims that the ESB has overcharged customers and businesses by the tune of €250m over three months have been referred to European authorities, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly and former Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen has sent documents supporting his claims to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, and the European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.