ESB 'to seek 30% rise in electricity prices this year'

Dublin- ESB is reportedly set to seek a 30% increase in the price of electricity due to the spiralling cost of oil on international markets.The increase, which has to be sanctioned by the Energy Regulator, follows the news that Bord Gais plans to raise prices by 19% in October due to the international fuel-price surge.This morning's reports say the ESB's request could be granted in the autumn and would add around €45 to the average bi-monthly electricity bill.This would have a particularly severe effect on low-income families, who already spend around 13% of their disposable wages on energy.