Electricity prices are shocking

Sir, – According to Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, electricity price increases could reach as high as 30 per cent, while Minister for Energy Darragh O’Brien has said the Government is preparing for domestic electricity prices to increase by between 4 and 9 per cent, with significantly higher rises expected for household gas bills. (“Electricity bills could increase by up to 9% with gas even higher, Minister says,” April 19th).

Instead of acting as cheerleaders for the utility companies in advance of their next round of price increases, the Ministers might make better use of their time by calling in the utility companies and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to explain why electricity costs here were the highest in Europe in 2024, excluding taxes and levies (“Electricity bills in Ireland among the highest in Europe,” April 14th).

Perhaps a reduction towards European average prices would be more in order? – Yours, etc,

LIAM RYAN,

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Ballina,

Co Tipperary.

Sir, – Michael O’Meara’s letter (“More power to solar power,” April 21st) cites that at time of ongoing price volatility, wider adoption of rooftop solar could make a meaningful contribution to national security.

Another carrot would be for the energy providers to increase the micro energy payment, pro rata, to those people who installed solar panels, at hefty upfront costs, when they hike the price of electricity. – Yours, etc.

JOE O’FLAHERTY,

Grattan Road,

Galway.

Sir, – When Des O’Malley, as Minister, suggested that a nuclear power plant be built on the Wexford coast to power Ireland and to avoid the disadvantages of oil-powered electricity, the then government, which included Fianna Fáil, rejected the proposition out of hand.

There is no forward thinking, no vision in this lamentable Government, plus ça change; the delayed and inept response to the recent demonstrations is proof enough.

So, do we stockpile candles, bottles of water, cans of food, matches etc, to try to offset the lack of any electricity or oil, in trying to survive? Some countries are already rationing petrol, diesel and home heating oil and not charging for public transport, to encourage leaving car at home.

I consider this a positive response. – Yours etc,

NOREEN P WHELAN,

Rathnapish,

Carlow.