Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
251. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement he has had with electricity companies on the cost of electricity for Irish consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3927/26]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within an EU regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial and liberalised. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011. Price setting by electricity suppliers is, therefore, a commercial matter for the companies concerned.
Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, network costs, system operating costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked fifth for electricity prices and eighth for household gas prices among European countries in the first half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland is mid-table in terms of energy affordability with the twelfth highest electricity and gas prices among European countries.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. In this regard, I can confirm that I have met with both the CRU, which is assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, and energy supply companies since being appointed as Minister.
On 26 September 2025, I met with the four largest energy suppliers in Ireland: Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Energia. In addition to these meetings, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis and a key message to them is the critical importance of energy affordability.
Following engagement with suppliers, I received confirmation that hardship funds for those struggling to meet their energy costs will be made available to households this Winter. The hardship funds operate in different ways from supplier to supplier. I would, therefore, encourage customers that are experiencing difficulties paying their bills to engage with their suppliers. This is in addition to the existing sources of support, such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Additional Needs Payment Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection.
The CRU has also published enhanced customer protection measures for Winter 2025/2026. Some of the key customer protection measures that will remain in place include:
• a disconnection moratorium for reasons of non-payment of account for special services registered vulnerable customers will remain in place from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, while the moratorium for priority services registered customers will remain in place all year;
• suppliers are required to ensure that all customers with a financial hardship meter are placed on the most economic or cheapest tariff. This includes a tariff that might otherwise only be available to, for example, a new customer or a customer as a retention offer; and
• promotion by energy suppliers of the vulnerable customer register.
I would also highlight that customers engaging with their supplier will not be disconnected.
In June 2025, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. The First Report of the Taskforce which set out measures for consideration in the Budget 2026 process is available on gov.ie.
The Taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan, including a programme of public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The Action Plan will be published later this year.
