Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
155. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline analysis that has been carried out on the cost of energy for households between 2022 and to date in 2025; the measures he is taking to reduce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56281/25]
View answerElectricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime, wherein these markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive and are overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Price setting by energy suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned.
I am advised that, currently, weighted market average for estimate annual bills is €1,802 for electricity and €1,536 for gas. There has been no significant change in these figures since January 2024. These figures are, however, 19% and 18% lower respectively than their peak in September 2023.
The Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses, and commits to bringing forward taxation measures to help contain energy costs.
In Budget 2026, Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity until 31st December 2030. This has traditionally been 13.5%, but has been 9% since 2022 in response to the energy price crisis.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce has been established by my Department to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
