Bord Gais Energy has today announced an increase to the price it charges for gas and electricity citing “significant increases in wholesale energy costs, which account for the majority of customer bills.”
From October 2, the average residential electricity bill will rise by €48.25 per month - an increase of 34% - and the average residential gas bill will rise by €43.80 per month - a 39% increase - Bord Gáis Energy is not increasing standing charges.
The company says it knows that some customers are currently facing challenges to pay their bills, so “the company pledges 10% of operating profits to its Energy Support Fund during the energy crisis.
“Working in partnership with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), Focus Ireland, and Saint Vincent de Paul, the fund has already supported many eligible customers through this difficult time and will continue to do so.”
In a statement released today, the company said: “Faced with record increases in wholesale energy costs, Bord Gáis Energy is forced to increase the price it charges customers for gas and electricity.”
Speaking about the changes, Dave Kirwan, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy said: “There is no precedent for the current energy crisis, and consumers and businesses across the globe are grappling with very challenging increases in the cost of living.
“We deeply regret having to raise our prices but the scale of increases in wholesale energy costs leaves us with no choice. We continue to do everything we can to reduce the impact on our customers and keep our rates as competitive as possible.
“We are also pledging 10% of our operating profits to our Energy Support Fund to help customers of ours who simply can’t afford to pay for energy this winter. We are working with a number of organisations to help customers access this fund, which has already supported many eligible customers facing difficulties.
“We know that there are customers who are struggling and our urgent message to them is to engage with us so that we can give them supports that reflect their unique circumstances.”
It says it remains committed to providing the best possible support for its customers during this turbulent time and has introduced a range of measures including:
Enhanced payment options/flexibility for its customers to help them manage their bills/arrears in a tailored, individual way that best suits them.
Increased resources and investment in greater training of customer care agents to ensure they are available and can offer support and advice to customers.
Enhanced communication and advice to customers on energy efficiency tips and supports available to help them to manage their bills.
Bord Gáis Energy is planning to invest significantly in longer-term infrastructure, including €250m in new power generation plants that will be capable of running on hydrogen. These plants are scheduled to be on stream from the end of 2024 and will aid longer-term energy supply security and energy decarbonisation.
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