Energy prices - Levy rooted in wishful thinking

MINISTER Eamon Ryan’s proposed electricity levy will increase electricity prices by 5% in October but it will be very difficult to stomach.

The most obvious reason is the additional burden it will place on homeowners bearing the brunt of our economic collapse – those who have lost jobs, those with unaffordable mortgages or rents, those with considerable personal debt and, possibly, those facing huge back-to-school costs to educate their children.

In such difficult circumstances an increase in the cost of an essential like electricity might make something already very difficult almost impossible.