RTÉ News has learned that the Commission for Energy
Regulation (CER) is considering a gas price increase of between
35% and 40%.
The announcement follows a 17.5% interim increase in electricity
prices, which will take effect from 1st August. The ESB sought
and secured the electricity price increase as a
response to ongoing volatility in the international energy
market (Click
Here).
The increase in electricity prices will take effect from
August and will cover the period until January 2009. After
that, it is likely that there will be a further price increase.
The regulator said that the increase was regrettable, but
inevitable.
However, now RTÉ News has learned that gas prices
could increase by more than 35% - once again a reflection
of the market instability.
CER is considering splitting the price increase - with the
first rise taking effect from 1 September of this year and
a second hike in the new year.
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