Bord Gáis Prices To Rise Again

Bord Gáis have been given permission for the third price increase in two years, a move being criticised by Fianna Fáil.

FF Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, said: "This is the third major gas price increase in 2 years and it sets alarm bells ringing particularly in relation to the fact that 20,000 households in Ireland either had their gas or electricity cut off last year.

Deputy Moynihan was also critical of Pat Rabbitte saying that customers would paying almost €300 more after the latest price rise.

Highlighting that Bord Gáis reported a 29% profit increase, Moynihan added that the government was left with some "serious questions" to answer: "There is no fairness in hiking gas prices when so many customers are in arrears. Gas disconnections rose by 82% in 2012, with the winter fast approaching families will have to do without heat and electricity because they cannot afford to pay their bills. The CER’s answer is to grant another price increase while the Minister, who has never been afraid to give his opinion, is remarkably silent.

"It is time for the Minister to show some leadership and engage properly with the Regulator."

(MH/CD)