Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
210. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 16 September 2026, to report on each of the dates his officials met with energy suppliers broken down by energy supplier and the dates on which the meetings were held; to outline if minutes were taken at the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 highest for electricity prices among European countries in the second half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland is fifth in terms of electricity prices among European countries.
My officials have met with suppliers and the Electricity Association of Ireland (which represents suppliers) on a number of occasions since I was appointed as Minister, with the dates of these meetings listed in the attached document. Records of these meetings are kept.
In June 2025, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) 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 informed measures in Budget 2026 is available on gov.ie.
The NEAT continues to work intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Publication of the Action Plan will follow approval by Government. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures to support households and businesses in meeting their energy costs.
DCEE Officials meetings with Energy Suppliers regarding energy affordability
|
Date |
Supplier Name |
|
21st February 2025 |
Energia |
|
10th March 2025 |
Electric Ireland |
|
28th March 2025 |
Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) |
|
1st October 2025 |
SSE Airtricity |
|
15th October 2025 |
Energia |
|
11th November 2025 |
SSE Airtricity |
|
12th November 2025 |
Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) |
|
16th December 2025 |
SSE Airtricity |
|
3rd March 2026 |
Energia |
|
22nd April 2026 |
Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) |
|
13th May 2026 |
Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) |
|
13th May 2026 |
SSE Airtricity |
|
28th May 2026 |
Bord Gáis Eireann |
|
17th June 2026 |
Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI); SSE Airtricity; Yuno Energy; Pinergy; Flogas; Electric Ireland; Bord Gáis Energy; Energia. |
|
21st July 2026 |
Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) |
|
18th August 2026 |
Energia |
|
2nd September 2026 |
SSE Airtricity |
