Ireland criticised over sky‑high energy bills and regulator mandate

Ireland’s government is facing criticism after the country recorded the highest energy costs in the EU. A debate on Sinn Féin’s Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026 seeks to give the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) stronger powers to monitor and curb price‑gouging in the electricity and gas markets. TD Rose Conway‑Walsh accused the government of normalising “energy rip‑offs” and called for a windfall tax on excessive profits, while Labour TD Ciarán Ahern warned that consumers are being asked to trust overly high prices.

Energy regulator statements this week said providers are not making “excessive profit”; high prices are largely a result of wholesale costs, pass‑through charges and network investment. Wholesale prices are down 72 % from their August 2022 peak, yet consumer bills remain high, prompting an ongoing CRU investigation into possible price‑gouging.

Finance Minister Simon Harris said a domestic windfall tax could deter investment and prefers a coordinated EU‑wide approach. Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien announced the government will oppose the Sinn Féin amendment, arguing the CRU already has statutory duties to monitor wholesale markets and prevent manipulation.