The PSO levy on energy is to increase for all commercial premises, the Commission on Energy Regulation has announced.

Fianna Fail slammed the latest rise and said it is an "absurd burden" to place on businesses.

Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Niall Collins said: "Of course, the CER's campaign to increase the use of renewable energy production and increase Ireland's energy security should be supported but jacking up the levy by 30% for small commercial enterprises and by 9% for medium to large enterprises is appalling.

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"Why is the CER forcing small enterprises to bear the brunt of this increase? They faced a 16% increase in 2016. Where will it end?

"Will the Minister only stop when every small business in the country is closed?

"Already, Ireland has the seventh highest industrial electricity prices in Europe.

"Fianna Fáil has repeatedly called on the Minister to increase the powers that the Commission for Energy Regulation has real teeth, as at the moment I see no evidence of consumer interests being protected.

"Why is the CER allowing energy companies gouge on consumers at a time when their cost of doing business is dropping?

"The Government also needs to examine the most efficient and effective means of determining the amount of PSO that will be paid to electricity producers, to ensure that there is healthy competition among them."

(CD/LM)