Carlow TD calls on the government for electricity decreases to help local families

Sinn Féin TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Kathleen Funchion, has called on the government and regulator to ensure that the decrease in wholesale electricity prices are 'urgently passed on to ordinary workers and families across Kilkenny and Carlow.' 
 
The local TD was commenting on the latest figures from the CSO, which report that wholesale electricity prices have fallen to their lowest point in two years, decreasing by 64% in the 12 months to July.

Reacting to the report, Deputy Funchion said: "According to the wholesale price index, electricity prices have fallen to a two year low. This follows a 17.9% reduction between June and July, and a 64% drop when compared to July last year.

It is absolutely essential that these savings are passed onto consumers in Carlow and Kilkenny with immediate effect. It is totally unacceptable that ordinary workers and families continue to suffer under the weight of sky high energy bills while prices and profits continue to soar. 
 
Despite the fact that retail prices are falling all over Europe, Ireland remains an outlier, with our electricity bills an eye-watering 80% above the EU average."

The local TD, first elected to the Dáil in 2016 concluded by saying: "Winter is fast approaching and many families risk not being able to keep the heat and lights on if things continue as they are. Sinn Féin has repeatedly called on the government and the regulator to get to grips with the chaos that reigns in Ireland’s energy market. If today’s most recent news is anything to go by, It is high-time they heeded those calls."