Environmental groups have called for a "fundamental rethink" of the State's policy of building two new peat-fired electricity plants.
Six environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) said peat-burning caused global warming, and the EU should refuse the State's request to surcharge consumers to pay for electricity generated from the burning of peat.
However, Bord na Mona said no surcharge was involved, but the method of collecting the additional cost of generating electricity from peat had yet to be decided.
Two peat-fired power stations are to be constructed at Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, and Lanesboro, Co Longford, to replace four peat-fired stations at Shannonbridge, Lanesboro, Bellacorick and Rhode.
The ESB said: "The two proposed peat stations will meet the latest emissions standards as set out in the EU directive on largescale generators."
Mr Donal Clarke, head of corporate affairs with Bord na Mona, said they would emit less carbon dioxide, a chemical which contributes to global warming, per unit of electricity generated, than existing plants.
The Government, which supports their construction, is waiting for a Public Service Obligation (PSO) approval from the European Commission for the stations. Under this, the ESB would be compensated for the additional cost of sourcing electricity from peat-fired stations.
Discussions continue on the level and collection mechanism of the PSO levy to be applied to the stations.
In a joint statement, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, An Taisce, Friends of the Irish Environment, Earthwatch, Grian and Voice said: "The Government proposal means that consumers will pay to produce electricity in a more polluting fashion.
"The Commission must refuse the State's application, to give meaning to the Kyoto Protocol. Saving the bogs means saving the climate."
Environmental NGOs have lodged planning appeals against the two proposed stations, the statement said.
The ESB said the company "complies with Government energy policy, which includes specific provisions for fuel diversity. The two new power stations at Shannonbridge and Lanesboro are in line with that policy. "We do not make Government policy but ensure that all our developments comply with that policy."