27/08/2025: Households could see electricity bills climb from October 1st, as the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) confirmed higher charges to fund upgrades to Ireland’s electricity network.

The change may add around €2.41 a month to standing charges, or €29 a year to the average domestic bill. Standing charges cover the cost of maintaining and expanding the grid, and are paid to EirGrid and ESB Networks.

The regulator says the increase is needed to meet growing demand and ensure a cleaner, more reliable electricity supply.

While suppliers can decide whether to absorb or pass on the rise, most homes are likely to see higher bills, and consumers are being urged to compare tariffs and manage usage where possible to limit the impact.

21/08/2025: Irish Life Health will increase the cost of its adult policies by an average of 3%. It’s the third rise this year, following hikes in January (3.5%) and April (2%). The October change could add €25 – €70 to annual premiums, depending on the plan.

Following a 6.6% rise in April, Laya will raise prices by an average of 4.5% while retiring ten existing policies. Customers on retired plans will be moved to equivalent cover at renewal, but are free to switch to other options.

Both insurers cite medical inflation and rising claims as key drivers of the increases, while policyholders are being urged to review cover and compare alternatives ahead of renewal.

04/08/2025: The CRU has confirmed the 2025/26 Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy will reduce by 38% to €2.01 per month (around €24 per year) from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026.

The drop in October is largely due to higher wholesale electricity prices and strong renewable generation, reducing the need for financial support.

The levy, which is used to subsidise the generation of electricity from wind farms and solar panel operations, fluctuates depending on the cost of wholesale energy. The change comes into effect each year on 1 October.

30/07/2025: Health insurance provider VHI is set to roll out its second price hike of 2025, with premiums rising between 2% and 10% from August 1st.

The increase will hit seven corporate plans, including PMI 4015, PMI 4510 and the recently launched PMI 6310.

For a family of four, the hike could mean paying an extra €75 to €506 a year, bringing the total impact of VHI’s 2025 increases to as much as €500.

The insurer points to medical inflation, rising claims, and increased demand for care as drivers behind the cost jumps. Customers are being urged to review their cover and compare plans ahead of renewal.

25/07/2025: Flogas is set to hike electricity prices by approx 7% for residential customers on variable rate plans from August 25th.

The rise means the typical household will see their annual electricity bill increase by around €126.

It follows an increase in transmission and distribution charges approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which suppliers are now passing on to consumers.

Flogas has also cited rising wholesale electricity prices as a factor.

This is their first price change from the supplier in 2025, who previously cut electricity rates in November 2023, and February 2024.

They have advised customers to review their current plan or consider switching to ensure they’re getting the best value.

24/06/2025: Non-bank lender ICS Mortgages is cutting its fixed rates for new and existing customer by up to 0.15%.

Non-bank lender ICS Mortgages has announced reductions of up to 0.15% on its fixed mortgage rates for both new and existing owner-occupier customers.

The revised rates will apply to three- and five-year fixed-term mortgages and will take effect from July 4th.

Following the cuts, three-year fixed rates will start from 3.85%, while five-year fixed rates will begin at 4.15%.