Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
161. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement his Department has had with the CRU and other stakeholders about lowering the retail price of electricity to homeowners and businesses in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73003/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. Within a competitive environment, providers also have costs such as staffing, tax, infrastructure, and cost of network tariffs which in turn affects end users’ bills.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics, including energy prices, on a regular basis. On 26 September 2025, I met with the four biggest energy suppliers in Ireland in relation to announcements on price increases and supports for households this Winter. My officials also meet with suppliers and the CRU on a regular basis. While price setting is ultimately a matter for the suppliers themselves, a key message to them is the critical importance of prices being reduced as soon as possible.
My Department has established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce 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.
The taskforce's first report set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
