Energy prices fall - We are too dependent on imports

IT may not be occasion enough to break out the champagne but the fact that energy prices are to fall is reason enough to give a small cheer.

Families can look forward to saving around another €100 a year on their gas bills from next month. Though the saving is hardly going to save anyone from the workhouse it is nevertheless welcome.

The cut, which is yet to be endorsed by the energy regulator, comes on top of a 12% cut in May. Combined these reductions will mean savings of around €200 for most households.

Our dependence on imported energy is once again underlined by the cut. Bord Gáis accepted that the softening of gas prices in Britain has prompted it to apply to the commission for the 9.8% price cut. The company buys 85% of its gas from Britain. It is wonderful that we are to benefit from this cut but how long more can it be before we begin to move to reduce dramatically our dependence on energy imports?