Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien will meet with energy companies tomorrow to urge them not to raise prices this winter, particularly as the upcoming budget will not include an energy credit for households.
Speaking to reporters in New York, where he has been attending UN meetings on climate change and energy, O’Brien said this winter “won’t be hopeless” regarding rising energy prices, but acknowledged that “energy prices are a real concern for people, particularly for families.”
The minister confirmed he will make “specific asks” of energy companies, particularly regarding vulnerable customers, and will reiterate that no energy credit will be provided in the budget. “There’s a responsibility amongst those firms as well to ensure that the energy they’re providing is costed fairly and affordably,” he said.
O’Brien revealed his department has conducted analysis of different companies’ pricing structures, which he plans to discuss during the meetings. He expressed particular concern about the number of households in arrears on their energy bills and expects companies to present proposals for addressing this issue.
The meeting comes amid rising energy costs and broader cost-of-living pressures that have prompted calls for government support measures in the budget. O’Brien noted that Ireland is “not an outlier in Europe” on energy pricing challenges, stating that “normal working families are finding it increasingly difficult to be able to manage their utility bills” globally.
The minister’s intervention reflects government efforts to balance fiscal constraints with public pressure for energy bill relief. Without an energy credit in the budget, the administration is relying on voluntary cooperation from energy suppliers to keep prices affordable for consumers.
The meetings will focus on protecting vulnerable customers and addressing payment difficulties, as household energy debt continues to be a significant concern for both consumers and the energy sector. Companies will be expected to demonstrate how they plan to support customers struggling with bills while maintaining service provision.