Householders face higher bills as Bord Gáis increases prices

ONE of the largest energy providers in the State is to increase its prices for householders.

Bord Gáis Energy is to raise prices from March 10 next, as worsening weather means heating systems are on more often.

The move comes despite the largest player in the market, Electric Ireland, freezing its prices for the winter period.

Bord Gáis said its electricity prices would go up 4.3pc, with gas bills to rise 2.3pc. This will add €44 a year to the average electricity bill, with the average gas bill increasing €19 a year.

The company also increased prices last summer. The two rises mean Bord Gáis electricity prices will have gone up €104 in the past year, with gas €55 dearer in the last year.

Managing director of Bord Gáis Energy Catherine O’Kelly blamed higher wholesale energy prices for the rise.

Bord Gáis is the sixth provider to increase prices in recent months. Most providers have now raised prices twice in the last 12 months.