Energy prices remain far too high for customers

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said energy prices are still far too high for most people and must be cut to affordable levels.
 
Commenting on news that Bord Gáis Energy will cut gas and electricity prices from February 29th, Teachta Crowe said “Energy companies have announced price cuts recently, but they do not go far enough and prices remain much too high for most people. Families need a break from these unaffordable costs and need to see urgent action to slash prices further.
 
“While the recent price decreases are welcome, the reality is that customers remain squeezed. Yes prices are falling, but they are falling from extortionate levels. We cannot ignore the fact that even after the reduction, Bord Gáis Energy’s electricity prices will remain around 90% above where they were in 2020, and gas prices are around double previous levels. “Ordinary workers and families continue to struggle under the weight of these sky-high costs. The level of arrears continues to grow and energy poverty remains high. Heating homes will remain exorbitantly expensive this winter, particularly as the reduction will not come into effect until it is over.
 
“The stark reality is that the price of gas and electricity here remains sky high for local customers. In fact, Irish energy prices are some of the highest in the EU. The reasons for this cannot be attributed to external shocks alone. There are systemic problems in our energy system and successive governments have failed to address them. They have failed to manage our energy system properly. People cannot be expected to pay the price for government failures to get to grips with the cost of living crisis.
 
“Sinn Féin has set out a suite of proposals to maximise State and community-owned renewables, reduce energy bills and to reform planning and energy regulation here. The government needs to act and to get to grips with this situation once and for all.