HOUSEHOLDS ARE SET to face another increase in their electricity bills from October after the energy regulator approved higher network charges to fund upgrades to Ireland’s electricity grid. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) today confirmed electricity network charges will increase by around €41.25 a year for a typical domestic customer from 1 October, equivalent to about €3.44 a month. Cassidy warned that further increases in network charges are expected in the coming years and said households could also face higher electricity prices if suppliers pass on rising wholesale energy costs. CRU chairperson Fergal Mulligan said the regulator had sought to minimise the impact on customers while ensuring investment in the electricity network continued. “We have sought to balance the investment needed in a safe, reliable, and resilient electricity network with the impact on customers.”