Energy price hikes will hammer families already struggling – Ahern
Energy price hikes will hammer families already struggling – Ahern - The Labour Party
Labour’s climate and energy spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has condemned the latest energy price increases, this time announced by PrepayPower, which will see its electricity prices rise by 8.8 percent and gas by 10.6 percent from next month. Deputy Ahern has called on Government to act immediately to protect households and prevent further hikes.
Deputy Ahern said:
“This is a hammer blow for workers and families already struggling through a relentless cost of living crisis. From next month, many households will face around €168 extra a year on electricity and €170 more on gas. That is more than €300 in additional costs for families already under pressure.
“These increases will push more people into energy poverty. Across the country, families are already making impossible choices, and this decision will deepen that hardship.
“People deserve a real explanation for what is happening. Energy providers continue to deliver large profits while households are left with soaring bills. This is profiteering and greedflation, and Government has failed to get a grip on it.
“This crisis did not happen overnight. Government has failed to invest at scale in renewables or deliver the retrofitting needed to bring bills down. Families are now paying the price for that inaction.
“There must also be immediate clarity from the Minister on state owned providers. Electric Ireland has – to its credit – not increased its prices recently, but the Minister must ensure this approach continues as an increase now would be devastating.
“Families cannot take another hit. The Minister must act now to stop further price hikes, tackle excessive profits, and deliver real measures that bring down energy costs for good.”