North Tipperary Councillor calls for reduction in electricity prices.

A North Tipperary Councillor claims that the government will collect €78 million from Electric Ireland in dividends this year due to over-priced electricity.

Ireland now has the second-highest electricity prices in the European Union in the middle of the worst recession in living memory.

Fianna Fail Councillor John Carroll says  the semi-state power company had profits of €327 million, while the cost of electricity has increased by 20% for hard-pressed businesses and private homes.

The local authority unanimously agreed to write to Minister Pat Rabbitte and urge him to halt any further increases and put pressure on Electric Ireland for a gradual reduction in the cost of electricity.