Energy

Department opposed regulator's plan to put tariff on big energy companies

Department of Enterprise was against now-scrapped plans proposed by Commission for Regulation of Utilities to reduce energy consumption this winter

The emergency tariffs plan was abandoned last month after concerns were raised by business groups. Picture: Getty

The Department of Enterprise told the state’s energy regulator that now-scrapped plans to introduce €100 million in emergency tariffs on large energy users would “undermine” Ireland’s reputation as a fair regulatory environment for investment.

The department also told the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) its proposals to reduce electricity demand represented a “punitive approach” to companies, and suggested the body had not considered the impact of such measures on businesses.

The emergency tariffs plan ...