Bord Gáis Energy is increasing electricity and gas unit rates by roughly 10 per cent, adding over €300 annually to typical dual fuel household bills, according to the supplier. The price hikes take effect on October 9th and will impact approximately 300,000 households across the country.
Bord Gáis Energy Price Increase Breakdown For October
The state’s largest gas supplier is raising its gas unit rate by 10.6 per cent and the daily standing charge by 7 per cent. According to Bord Gáis Energy, this pushes the typical gas bill up by 9.3 per cent, or €140 a year based on average usage. On the electricity side, the company is hiking the unit rate by 9.1 per cent and the daily standing charge by 7.2 per cent. That adjustment increases the typical electricity bill by 8.8 per cent, or about €177 annually. Combined, typical dual fuel households face a 9.1 per cent increase amounting to €26.42 per month, or an extra €317 per year, according to company figures.
Drivers Behind Irish Energy Price Hikes
The changes reflect sustained increases in the cost of supplying energy, according to a statement from Bord Gáis Energy. The company cited higher network charges, continued volatility in wholesale energy markets, and broader inflationary pressures as the primary catalysts. Catherine Lonergan, the supplier’s director of customer and commercial, stated that global conflicts resulting in higher wholesale gas costs alongside rising network charges made the price increase necessary. Lonergan noted that this marks the company’s first gas price increase in four years. The adjustments also factor in the reduction of the public service obligation (PSO) levy on electricity bills from October 1st, a move previously announced by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities.
Consumer Impact And Market Context
Daragh Cassidy of bonkers.ie noted that while the announced hikes might not seem exceptionally high, they arrive on top of energy costs that are already at elevated levels. According to Cassidy, gas prices remain about 90 per cent higher than they were four or five years ago, while electricity prices sit roughly 70 per cent higher. He added that building a modern grid capable of accommodating and storing renewable energy is difficult and expensive, which may add to bills in the short term. Meanwhile, Bord Gáis Energy announced leadership changes, with managing director Catherine O’Kelly taking up a UK-based leadership role at parent company Centrica after her maternity leave, and Dave Kirwan returning to Ireland to serve as the new managing director.
Pro Tip: Managing Your Energy Bills
Customers struggling with heating costs can explore flexible payment arrangements or access the Energy Support Fund provided by suppliers. According to bonkers.ie, households can also switch to cheaper suppliers, adjust home energy usage, or shift electricity consumption to off-peak hours if using a smart tariff.
Support Services For Vulnerable Households
Bord Gáis Energy maintains a Special Services Register for gas and electricity customers vulnerable to winter disconnection, including individuals over 66 living alone or those with a disability. A Priority Services Register is also available for electricity customers critically dependent on electrically-powered life-protecting devices or assistive technologies. Customers can contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) for free, independent debt assistance funded by the Department of Social Protection. Additionally, welfare recipients can spread bill costs via An Post’s Household Budget Scheme, or check eligibility for the means-tested Fuel Allowance running from late September through April, according to government guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Bord Gáis Energy price increases take effect?
The price increases take effect on October 9th, according to the supplier.
How much will typical dual fuel bills increase?
Typical dual fuel household bills will increase by 9.1 per cent, or €317 annually, based on average usage figures provided by Bord Gáis Energy.
What support is available for customers facing financial difficulty?
Customers can contact Bord Gáis Energy for flexible payment options, utilize the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), register for special or priority services, or check eligibility for the government’s Fuel Allowance and An Post’s Household Budget Scheme.