The chairman of the Commission for Energy Regulation, Michael Tutty, has said there should be no increases in gas and electricity prices up to October 1st 2009.
Mr Tutty told RTÉ's Morning Irleandthe current row between Russia and Ukraine would have no effect on prices here as both the ESB and Bord Gáis had already purchased the gas they need for the period.
Meanwhile, Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan today announced the creation of a new legal entity charged with the operation and management of the electricity distribution system.
ESB Networks Limited will remain part of the ESB group of companies but will be legally and functionally distinct from other ESB operations.
Mr Ryan said ESB Networks Ltd will have "responsibility, as meter operator, for the installation, maintenance and reading of all electricity meters and will play a key role in ensuring the effective rollout of smart meters throughout the country”.