AN SNP MSP has pointed to the “boundless opportunities of independence” following the news that energy bills in Ireland will be slashed for the third time this year.
In the UK meanwhile, it was announced last month that the average energy bill is to increase by £149 per month from October.
The regulator announced it is hiking its price cap by 10% to £1717 for England, Scotland and Wales.
By contrast, Electric Ireland announced it would be cutting its prices for domestic electricity and gas from November.
Based on figures from Money Guide Ireland, the average energy bill per year comes out to around €1756 for Electric Ireland customers.
Ireland’s largest supplier said most electricity customers would see unit rates fall by 3%, although those using smart meters would benefit from a 5% reduction.
Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, told The National: “While over a million Irish households see their energy bills reduce, families across Scotland are set to be faced with an enormous rise in charges from October.
“In lieu of lofty promises made by the Labour Party, people are in fact seeing costs rise and what little support available being cut back, including the Winter Fuel Payment.”
As a result of the price drop, it is estimated Electric Ireland’s customer’s bills could be slashed by as much as €75 from November 1.
Electric Ireland said the cuts will result in a saving of €45 on the average annual electric bill and €40 on the average annual gas bill.
However, those using smart meters could see an annual reduction of between €64 and €75 depending on the plan they are on.
It comes as Stephen Flynn (below) said that more than 850,000 pensioners will lose out as a result of the change in eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment.
The SNP called on Starmer to reverse the “damaging plan” with research from the House of Commons Library showing more than 991,431 pensioners received the payment in 2022/23.
Following the announcement from Starmer, the Scottish Government said it had been left with “no choice” but to end universal fuel payments.
A vote will be held on Tuesday on the policy with Starmer urging his MPs to back the "unpopular" plan.
“Be in no doubt, Scottish families are paying the price of remaining under Westminster control,” Dunbar added.
“The SNP are clear: Scotland has the energy; we just need the power – and that will only come with the full powers of an independent nation.”
Electric Ireland also said it would absorb the planned increases in regulated network charges.
Network tariffs are levied on suppliers, who have the choice as to whether they are passed on to the customer or not.
