ESB Electric Ireland confirmed today that its residential electricity prices will increase from 1 October.

Electricity unit rates and standing charges at the company will increase by 14.8%, with the company blaming rising international prices for the change.

ESB Electric Ireland General Manager Liam Molloy said: 'We regret that we have had to increase our electricity prices at this time.

'We will continue to work with our customers who are facing difficulties in dealing with their electricity accounts,' he said.

He said the company can no longer continue to absorb rising international energy prices without reflecting them in the prices it charges customers.

'We have held off increasing electricity prices for as long as possible,' Mr Molloy said.

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