Noel Dempsey T.D., the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources today welcomed the decision of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to reduce the previously announced increases in electricity and gas. The proposed electricity price increases will be reduced by 7.1% on average from the 1st of January 2007 and the proposed gas increases by 10% from 1st February 2007.
Speaking today Minister Dempsey said “As everybody knows international energy prices have been volatile over the past several months, with the cost of gas, oil and coal fluctuating greatly. However the recent easing of prices for international energy commodities is a very positive development.”
Minister Dempsey met recently with the Chairmen and Chief Executives of both the ESB and Bord Gáis Eireann when the proposed tariff increases were announced by the Regulator. He urged both to review the need for the increases being proposed and to explore ways of minimising them in the interests of consumers. Both companies indicated a willingness to do so subject to the regulatory system.
The Minister also welcomed the decision of the CER to re-examiner fuel cost variation mechanisms in tariffs and the planned public consultation on the matter.
ENDS
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