91. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the engagement he has had major energy suppliers in Ireland in relation to price hikes on standing charges (details supplied), regardless of use of gas and electricity and the knock on impact it is having on their customers. [66417/26]

93. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the engagement he has had with major energy suppliers in Ireland in relation to price hikes on gas and electricity and the knock on impact it is having on their customers. [66410/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 93 together.

The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within an EU regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial and liberalised. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011. Price setting by electricity suppliers is, therefore, a commercial matter for the companies concerned.

Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, network costs, system operating costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked highest for electricity prices among European countries in the second half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland is fifth in terms of electricity prices among European countries.

As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. In this regard, I can confirm that I have met with both the CRU, which is assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, and energy supply companies since being appointed as Minister.

I have met with the four largest energy suppliers in Ireland: Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Energia to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty. In addition to these meetings, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis. A key message to suppliers during these engagements is the critical importance of energy affordability.

Also as Minister, I wrote to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.

In June 2025, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. The First Report of the Taskforce which informed measures in Budget 2026 is available on gov.ie.

The NEAT continues to work intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Publication of the Action Plan will follow approval by Government. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures to support households and businesses in meeting their energy costs. The NEAT held a workshop with all electricity retailers in order to help inform the Action Plan.