Ministers ‘Asleep At The Wheel' Over Energy Crisis

Demand on grid is growing

- Ferghal Blaney

• Calls for high peak hour tariff

THE Government has been accused of being “asleep at the wheel” after a row with the energy regulator over the looming winter energy crisis.

It came as Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the regulator should have had an “earlier warning system” over what is coming down the line.

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities last week announced it wants electricity companies to charge more for power during the “rush hours” of 5pm to 7pm in the evening.

The regulator hopes this will encourage people to ease off on using energy during these peak hours, which would help them manage the national grid more efficiently.

The CRU also warned the country is at the very edge of capacity, with little or no reserves should there be any unexpected surges or outages.