New Minister must address Rising Gas and Electricity Prices – Moynihan

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, has congratulated Alex White on his appointment as the new Minister for Communications but warned that issues like the rising cost of gas and electricity prices must be addressed.

“I would like to wish Alex White well on his appointment as the new Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. It is a crucial department with an important to-do list waiting for him. At the top of that list must be action to address the rapidly increasing cost of energy prices in Ireland.

“Unfortunately Pat Rabbitte’s time in office will be remembered for overseeing a hike of €300 on average in energy bills per family per year since he came to office. Energy prices in Ireland are amongst the highest in Europe and we need the Government to take a much more hands on approach than we have seen to date.

“There seems to be a fundamental lack of understanding on the part of both the Regulator and the Government about the level of financial pressure being faced by
households.

“For example, the decision by the CER to approve a 50% jump in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy will add almost €30 more to the average household bill. When challenged, the Government simply shrugs and points to the Regulator. Meanwhile, consumers’ interests are ignored.

“I sincerely hope that Minister White can be a consumer champion and seek to put an end to the increased costs of energy prices and not offer more excuses from Government.”