Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has criticised the latest increase in electricity network charges, saying the Government is once again asking families in Waterford and across the state to bear the cost of decisions that benefit large energy users.
From October, households will face a further increase in network charges of around €41, bringing regulator-mandated increases to almost €550 on a typical annual electricity bill.
Teachta McGuinness said:
“Families are already paying some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. Instead of easing the pressure, the Government is allowing yet another increase in electricity bills at a time when many households are already struggling with the cost of living.
“This raises an obvious question. Why are ordinary households expected to pay for a network that is increasingly being expanded to serve the growing demand from large data centres?
“CSO figures show data centres now account for 23% of Ireland’s electricity consumption. Their electricity use has increased every year, rising from 1,240 GWh in 2015 to 7,663 GWh in 2025. That level of growth is placing enormous pressure on our electricity system.
“Grid investment is essential, but the cost must be shared fairly. Those creating the greatest demand for new infrastructure should contribute far more towards paying for it. Families should not be left subsidising multinational corporations.
“The current approach is putting pressure on electricity prices, energy security and grid capacity that should be available for homes, communities, public services and indigenous businesses. Research has estimated that data centre expansion added around €715 million to household electricity bills between 2015 and 2023, with the potential for costs to rise by a further €1.6 billion if current policy continues during another energy price shock.
“This situation did not arise overnight. It is the product of years of political failure by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments, which have consistently prioritised vested interests over the interests of Irish households. The result is an energy system that asks working people, families and pensioners to pay more while those placing the greatest demands on the grid avoid paying a fair share.
“Sinn Féin is calling for a new approach to grid access that prioritises housing, public infrastructure and strategic national needs instead of the current ‘first come, first served’ model. We also need a fairer system of network charges based on a simple principle: those who create the greatest demand for investment in the electricity grid should bear a greater share of the cost.
“Irish families have paid enough. It is time for the Government to end this failed approach, stop protecting vested interests and start putting households and the public interest first.”