Electric Ireland to raise gas and electricity bills from next month

DUBLIN: Electric Ireland has announced it will increase residential electricity and gas bills from next month. The supply division of ESB has decided to increase gas bills by 29.2% and electricity bills by 10.9% from August 1.

The increase equates to an average of €13.71 per month on the average electricity bill and €25.96 on the average gas bill. Electric Ireland had previously increased electricity bills by 23.4% and gas bills by 24.8% in March.

Interim Executive Director of Electric Ireland Suzanne Ward said she understands the news is not to the liking of consumers and they had delayed the decision as much as possible. She said the situation in Eastern Europe and a reduction in the reliability of gas flows had contributed to higher energy costs across Europe.

“We have seen a very substantial increase in the cost of wholesale gas, which in turn, impacts both our gas and electricity prices,” Suzanne Ward added.

At the same time, Ms Ward said Electric Ireland is offering flexible payment plans for those who find it difficult to pay their energy bills. She said the company had pledged a further €3 million to a “hardship fund” for customers experiencing difficulties paying their bills.