The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) will be allowed to set its own electricity prices only when it sheds another 17% of its customer base and removes its brand from its retail business, it has been reported.

According to RTÉ, the stipulations are contained in a report to be published later today from the Commission for Energy Regulation.

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The recommendations would replace the current situation in which the regulator sets the ESB's prices and allows them to be undercut by Bord Gáis Energy and Airtricity, a move designed to encourage competition.

Bord Gáis Energy and Airtricity are engaging in high-profile campaigns to convince ESB customers to avail of their services.

(NS/BMcC)