CONSUMERS face a rise in electricity prices after the energy regulator approved hikes in the cost of electricity distribution.

The move will be a new blow to hard-pressed householders who also face a likely 7pc hike in gas prices this autumn.

Currently, the average family pays €1,176-a-year for electricity alone. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) yesterday approved a 3.5pc increase in distribution tariff.

This is paid by all suppliers to cover the cost of transiting electricity through the system.

It means domestic customers would see an increase of up to €200 a year for urban customers, and €239 for rural customers, to cover these costs, according to CER's analysis.