A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed a shocking reality for Irish energy consumers: retail electricity prices in Ireland are now three times higher than wholesale costs.

While the wholesale price of electricity has dropped significantly since the peak of the energy crisis, Irish consumers and businesses have yet to feel the benefit. The IEA notes that in many European countries, utilities have passed those savings on to customers. In Ireland, however, retail rates remain stubbornly high.

According to The Journal.ie’s coverage of the report, Ireland now ranks among the most expensive countries in Europe for electricity, alongside Germany.

Government Inaction and Continued Price Gouging

Despite growing political pressure, there has been little action from government to address inflated retail prices. Suppliers have kept tariffs high, and as the IEA report highlights, regulatory and policy inertia have allowed price gouging to persist unchecked.

The outcome is clear: Irish businesses and consumers are being forced to pick up the slack. Energy costs continue to erode margins, putting pressure on competitiveness and profitability, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.

At a time when Ireland is striving to meet its climate targets, this situation also discourages investment in cleaner, more efficient energy alternatives.

Businesses Are Fighting Back With Solar

While policy change remains slow, forward-thinking Irish businesses are taking matters into their own hands. Increasingly, companies are choosing commercial solar PV systems to protect their operations from rising costs and to achieve genuine energy independence.

At Verde Energy Group, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand from companies looking to generate their own power on-site. Our commercial solar solutions are helping businesses across Ireland to:

• Cut energy costs by up to 30–40%
• Shield themselves from future market volatility
• Strengthen sustainability and ESG performance
• Unlock valuable SEAI grant supports
• Install solar with no upfront cost through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

A PPA allows businesses to adopt renewable energy without the need for capital investment. Under this model, Verde funds, installs, and maintains the solar PV system, while the business pays only for the clean energy it uses at a rate significantly lower than grid electricity.

This approach delivers immediate savings, improved environmental performance, and long-term energy stability.

Energy Independence as a Strategic Advantage

In an environment where retail electricity prices remain detached from actual market costs, achieving energy independence is no longer just a sustainability goal. It is a strategic business advantage.

By generating clean power on-site, businesses can reduce reliance on volatile energy markets, meet corporate sustainability targets, and demonstrate leadership in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

While others wait for policy reform, proactive businesses are already securing their energy future.

Take Control of Your Energy Costs

Ireland’s energy market is unlikely to change overnight, but your business does not have to wait. The technology, financial models, and support structures are already in place to help you take control today.

If you are ready to explore how solar can reduce your costs, protect your margins, and support your sustainability goals, our team at Verde Energy Group can help.

📄 Read the full article on The Journal.ie: Retail electricity prices in Ireland three times higher than wholesale cost
🌐 Learn more about our solar solutions: www.verdeenergygroup.com/solar-energy

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