Energy prices fall to lowest level this year after record high

Wholesale electricity prices fell 11 per cent in May, according to Bord Gáis energy index

Irish electricity prices benefited from the full availability of the new sub-sea power cable connecting the Irish and British power grids. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times
Irish electricity prices benefited from the full availability of the new sub-sea power cable connecting the Irish and British power grids. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times

Irish energy prices fell 5 per cent last month to the lowest level so far this year following record highs recorded in March.

The Bord Gáis energy index, which measures wholesale energy prices, stood at 138 in May, a decrease of 4 per cent compared to May 2012.

Irish wholesale electricity prices fell 11 per cent last month as wholesale UK gas prices continued to drop from record highs seen in previous months after a particularly cold winter.

Ireland also benefited from increased power imports from the UK last month as a result of the full availability of the new sub-sea power cable connecting the Irish and British power grids.

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Brent crude prices fell as traders continued to digest the potential impact of North American shale oil production on the global oil market coupled with weaker Asian demand as China’s economy slows.

Ciara Kenny

Ciara Kenny

Ciara Kenny, founding editor of Irish Times Abroad, a section for Irish-connected people around the world, is Editor of the Irish Times Magazine