Energy

New ‘second carbon tax’ will add 10 per cent to energy bills

Energy companies will have to provide a certain volume of more expensive biogas to customers who are continuing to use fossil fuels like oil and gas

Michael Fitzmaurice, the independent Galway-Roscommon TD, branded the renewable heat rule as a ‘second carbon tax’ in another form. Picture: Collins

Households and businesses are facing a “second carbon tax” on oil, gas and coal next year which will ultimately increase their energy bills by 10 per cent.

Eamon Ryan, the Minister for the Environment, is bringing in a new renewable heat rule to cut emissions from households and businesses that are continuing to use fossil fuels.

It will require gas companies to supply their customers with a certain volume of biogas generated from the likes ...