Environment Minister Eamon Ryan vowed the Government will “keep the lights on” as the winter energy crisis bites.
But he admitted bills will rise as he backed premium pricing between 5pm and 7pm to discourage people from using power at these times. Mr Ryan said: “The real challenge this coming winter is going to be on the price side and that, for the household, is particularly important and for businesses.”
He claimed the Government has done more than any other EU nation to protect households from energy insecurity but added: “We’ll have to do a lot more. [The Government] needs to make sure we have the funding and finance available to get through what is an unprecedented time in terms of the price shock. As well as keep the lights on, we have to make sure people can afford the power coming through.”
Read more: How much is your kettle costing you? Household items that are raising your energy bills by €170
But Social Democrats climate action spokeswoman Jennifer Whitmore said the Government has no real plan. She added: “Mr Ryan has his head in the sand. His strategy to prevent blackouts this winter amounts to nothing more than a wing and a prayer.
“Emergency generation capacity, that had been promised, will not be available until next year. This government have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to our energy security. It is time for them to wake up – before we are all plunged into darkness this winter.”
Sinn Fein’s social protection spokeswoman Claire Kerrane claimed the Government has “no interest” in solving the energy poverty crisis.
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