Ireland's electricity prices over time

Ireland's electricity prices over time

🎙 Paul Goldrick-Kelly 👥 133 📅 March 31, 2026 ⏱ 39 min 👁 56 📄 original study 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

electricity pricesIrelandEUinflationenergy costs

Summary

This seminar, presented by Paul Goldrick-Kelly of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, examines the evolution of electricity prices in Ireland over time, comparing them to other EU states. The analysis uses Eurostat data from 1996 to 2025, focusing on both price changes (inflation) and price levels. Key findings include: Irish electricity price inflation has significantly outpaced both general inflation and the Eurozone average, with prices quadrupling since 1996 compared to a 2.5-fold increase in the Eurozone. Price levels, particularly before taxes and levies, are among the highest in the EU, though low taxes and levies moderate the total cost. The divergence is driven primarily by energy and supply costs, not network costs. The presentation also explores the role of fuel mix, highlighting the high reliance on natural gas, and market design, including the impact of marginal pricing. The report concludes with potential policy remedies and avenues for further research.

149 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation provides a rigorous, data-driven analysis of electricity price trends in Ireland, using official Eurostat data and a clear methodology. The argumentation is solid, systematically comparing Ireland to EU averages and other EU15 states, and decomposing prices into components to identify key drivers. The author acknowledges limitations, such as data gaps and the complexity of market design, which adds to the credibility. The analysis is valuable for understanding the structural factors behind high electricity prices in Ireland, beyond the recent crisis.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The presentation is based on a published NERI report, which is a credible source. The data is sourced from Eurostat, ensuring reliability. The title accurately reflects the content. The methodology is transparent, with clear explanations of data sources and analytical choices. The author appropriately caveats the analysis, noting where data is incomplete or where further research is needed. The presentation is well-structured and the conclusions are supported by the evidence presented.

168 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the evolution of electricity prices in Ireland over time.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The presentation is based on a published NERI report, uses official Eurostat data, and provides a clear methodology. The author is an economist at NERI, lending credibility. However, the analysis is limited to descriptive statistics and does not include peer review.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • NERI Report Series document — The presentation links to a recently published NERI Report Series document by the presenter, which contains the full analysis.

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

This presentation offers a comprehensive, long-term analysis of Irish electricity prices, highlighting that high prices are not solely a recent phenomenon but have structural roots. It decomposes prices to show that energy and supply costs, rather than network costs, are the main drivers. The comparison with EU15 states and the use of PPS adjustment provide a nuanced view. The analysis also points to the role of fuel mix and market design, particularly the high reliance on natural gas and the impact of marginal pricing.

Pour aller plus loin :

144 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quantity and quality of information, indicating a data-rich and well-structured presentation. The technical level is moderately high, suitable for an informed audience. The overall reliability is strong, reflecting the use of official data and a credible institution.

Reliability 8/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.