ESB employees get pay rise *and* free electricity

[The Earl of Desmond]

Consumers are bled dry so the ESB can pay such ridiculous salaries so if it didn't have such a large pay bill it could eithe reduce prices or give more to the government which it in turn can waste, err I mean spend wisely.

[Limerick Lad]

Consumers are bled dry so the ESB can pay such ridiculous salaries so if it didn't have such a large pay bill it could either reduce prices or give more to the government which it in turn can waste, err I mean spend wisely.

The ESB has said it can sell it's electricity cheaper but the regulator has forced them to keep prices artificially high to allow their competitors who can't produce electricity as efficiently to compete with them, yet another example of where the opening up of the market with enforced competition has driven prices higher.

[bluefish]

What competitors does the ESB have?

Especially in the private household market!

[Ah Well]

Given that the issue of the ESB's 3.9% pay increment is now centre stage with the media, I think it is also worth pointing out that ESB employees get a significant discount on their energy bills through a free unit allowance.

This gratuity is being funded by hard-pressed Irish businesses and households, and is enjoyed by some of the highest paid State employees in the country.

This company seems to have no bottom line when it comes to screwing consumers and taxpayers.

Free electricity - very nice if you can get it.
Our house Bill was over €200 this month ... nearly crapped myself when I saw it (damn tumble drier no doubt)
I remember meeting the ESB Meter Reading Guy outside the front door bout 2 years back when he happily said to me (must have had a good morning judging by his cheerfulness) that ESB was good value judging on the price one paid for it compared to other utility BIlls .... no longer true sadly, how times a changed

[Bif]

The bigger problem is if and when the squeeze is put on the ESB to reduce pay and perks to its employees, they have to power to turn off all the lights....that shuts down the country period..! One never knows how close one is to fighting with ones neighbour, and that can apply to all the other high-earners in the banks, and other marble halls..

Maybe this so-called revolution that many are talking about is on the cards, and yes I accept its all talk at this stage and that in reality it wont happen....I have some doubts on that one, I think its very likely to happen. Better clear out me bunker.

Dam monopolies are crawling all over us, so easy for ESB to return mega profits and of course all the workers know that, so they actually have the monster over a barrel...scary stuff in these very uncertain days months and perhaps years.

Any good news out there lads..?

In case anyone is under the illusion that the ESB is a monopoly please have a look at

EirGrid - DEMAND

It is also worth remembering that when the ESB was a monoploy Ireland had amongst the cheapest electricity prices in Europe, but since competiton it is now amongst the dearest in Europe. Bottom line is business doesn't invest the huge amount of capital required for electricity production without knowing that they are going to make large profits for a long time.

[W..R.H]

What competitors does the ESB have?

Especially in the private household market!

I can offer you electricity. My rates might shock you though.

[FutureTaoiseach]

FT - Do you have a link for this please? Had a quick Google and it's confusing to say the least!
Including links to P.ie


Ta.

I mean some fitters get '€100,000 in Moneypoint but as of 2006 the average wage in the ESB was €71,702. It's still grossly inflated. And in the power-stations overall, it's €75,200. And that ignores dividends from the staff's 5% shareholding in the company.