ESB thought to be seeking further price hikes

CONSUMER and business representatives have reacted with alarm to news that the ESB is seeking a further hike in its charges.

If a new increase is approved by the independent Commission for Electricity Regulation (CER), it would mean electricity costs for domestic and business customers would have risen by over 20% in just three years.

Households in particular would feel the pinch, having seen the cost of food, education, health services, transport and gas all rise in the past year.