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The National Consumer Agency (NCA) has questioned the draft
decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to
approve an interim price increase for households and SMEs
of 17.5% (Click
Here).
The NCA particularly questions the CER decision, given that
the ESB’s announcement of a €300m contribution to help offset
electricity prices for consumers will not come into effect
until January 2009 (Click
Here).
Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the National Consumer
Agency, said - “While we recognise that international factors
outside the control of the ESB have increased the cost of
energy significantly in recent months, the Irish consumer
is ESB’s main customer and there are few other options available,
with the lack of competition in the Irish energy market.”
She added - “We feel that the current situation is not beneficial
for consumers, as peak electricity usage times are usually
in the months leading up to Christmas. We would, therefore,
be looking for the ESB’s contribution to come into effect
from August 1st to coincide with the interim price increase
of 17.5%.
“We are also calling on the CER to reconsider the timing
of their final decision on the issue which is due on the 18th
July - just one day after the deadline for comments from the
public.
"This is a very serious consumer issue which requires a high
level of attention and the NCA feels that a gap of one day
is insufficient.”
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