Sinn Fein TD for Laois-Offaly, Brian Stanley, has called on energy companies not to increase their prices during the current pandemic.
During the week, it was revealed that Electric Ireland would increase their prices by an average of 3.4% from October.
The company said this will equate to an increase of €2.88 a month on the average residential electricity bill.
The government is to engage with Electric Ireland on this but Brian Stanley is calling for a freeze on energy prices.
He said: “This increase is coming in immediately before the budget which will be announced next month.
“Although there is no carbon tax on electricity, there will be carbon tax increases or other fuels and energy in the budget. The Public Service Obligation (PSO) is also due to be increased.
“This cannot be the start of price hikes introduced by other energy companies. Bank of Ireland raised their charges on card transactions this week to €6 per month.
“This should not be happening especially during a pandemic when everybody is affected.
“When energy prices increase so will the price of goods and services. The knock on effect of these increases will mean extra costs on all house holders and businesses.
“Workers and house holders on low income will again be hit the hardest by any wave of energy price hikes. When one provider introduces a price increase all providers will follow suit. It’s just a matter of time.
“This Government needs to put a stop to this increase, and they need to address this with Electric Ireland which is after all a State owned company.’’
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