Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am coming to that. They can also switch to Airtricity. I encourage people to switch. Both Bord Gáis and Airtricity are fine companies that can provide reliable electricity. However, this idea that by allowing the ESB to reduce its prices we will drive Airtricity and Bord Gáis out of the market is utter nonsense. These are large, powerful companies with big backers, particularly in the case of Airtricity. Bord Gáis is currently building power stations in order to supply electricity at more competitive prices than the ESB. It is committed to that expenditure. It will not be driven out of the marketplace by the ESB; it is fanciful to suggest that. At present, whether the Minister likes it or not, 1.8 million of the 2 million households in Ireland are paying 10% more for electricity than they should be because the ESB is not allowed to reduce its prices.

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