Electricity prices are likely to rise by up to 10% next year.
ESB Chairman Tadhg O'Donoghue said the firm was in discussions with the energy regulator following steep rises in fuel costs.
However, Mr O’Donoghue said prices were unlikely to rise in double digits. He was speaking at the launch of the company's annual report for 2004.
The ESB also wants to double the charge for connecting homes to the electricity networks from the existing fee of €1,150.
