We already have the highest electricity fees in the EU
11:32, 01 Jul 2026Updated 11:43, 01 Jul 2026
In yet another blow to Irish consumers reckoning with the cost of living crisis, price hikes from Yuno Energy and Electric Ireland mean over a million households will see their energy bills increase once again from today.
Electric Ireland is increasing the unit rate of its electricity and its gas by 9.5 per cent. However, it’s leaving its standing charges unchanged. The increase will add around €138 a year to the average customer’s electricity bill and €117 a year to their gas bill. The average Yuno Energy customer will see their gas and electricity costs go up by over €300 a year.
Figures released recently by Eurostat show that Irish households are paying almost 40% more than the EU average price for energy. This means that Irish households are shelling out €480 a year more than our EU neighbours at a time when consumers are feeling the pressure of rising costs all-round.
Households struggling with high energy costs are being encouraged to shop around and switch suppliers to avail of cheaper introductory rates.
They’re also being encouraged to see if they qualify for any government supports, such as fuel allowances or the free electricity allowance, and to try to make changes around the home that will lower their energy consumption.
Darragh Cassidy, head of communications at Bonkers.ie, said: “Currently, a near-record number of households are behind on their energy bills, so the last thing consumers need is another price hike.
“And although we’re in the height of summer, meaning energy and heating costs won’t be on many people’s minds right now, households are facing into another expensive winter, with energy prices around 70 per cent to 80 per cent higher than they were just a few years ago.
“And further increases in bills can’t be ruled out over the coming months as wholesale gas and electricity prices remain stubbornly high, while the cost of maintaining and upgrading the electricity grid in particular continues to rise.”