By Irishexaminer.com,Sean Murray And Paul Hosford

Copyright irishexaminer

SSE Airtricity said that its unit rates for electricity and its standing charges will increase by 9.5% from October 20.

It pinned the blame on increased network and system operator charges, which come into effect in October 2025, ongoing wholesale volatility and higher cost of doing business.

“We know this news will be disappointing for customers, increasing our prices is always a last resort. We would encourage anyone concerned about their energy costs to contact us, and we will work with them to find a solution together,” managing director Stephen Gallagher said.

“We have payment plans, offers and tariffs in place to support customers this winter. This includes smart tariffs which can allow customers to manage their energy usage and reduce their costs while also reducing their carbon footprint.

“While investment in the grid is necessary, these regulatory network charges are outside of our control and come at a time of continued wholesale volatility which is leading to higher cost of doing business.”

‘Another sizeable hike’

Bonkers.ie head of communications Daragh Cassidy said the move will impact over 200,000 households and comes at a time when close to 300,000 households across the various energy suppliers are behind on their electricity bills.

“This is another sizeable hike that will add real pressure to many households already struggling with their bills,” he said.

“The Government also needs to give a firm commitment to keep the reduced rate of Vat of 9% on energy bills in next month’s budget. The last thing households need is the Government adding to energy costs when prices are already rising.”

The latest energy bill rise will see further pressure on the Government to bring in measures to support households already being hit with sky high grocery prices.

During Leaders’ Questions as the Dáil returned this week, Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty urged the Government to intervene on energy prices.

“There is no end to it. People cannot catch a breath at the moment,” he said.

“As if things were not bad enough, the big energy companies come along with another big hike in electricity prices just as we head into the darker months of the year.

“At the very time these companies are fleecing people again, the Government has decided to withdraw energy credits in the budget. It is a terrible decision that the Government needs to reverse.”

In response, Tánaiste Simon Harris said Sinn Féin had had a “bonkers idea” to keep energy prices down by “giving taxpayers’ money to energy companies”.

He said that his Government “is taking action”, pointing to a taskforce established by energy minister Darragh O’Brien.

“Energy costs are real, and I do not disagree with the deputy that the cost of energy in Ireland is too high and a real cause of worry for people,” he said.

“We have got to take measures that are sustainable and permanent. We are moving away from one-off measures to permanent, sustainable ones.”