Wicklow TD Say Windfall Tax On Energy Companies is "Only Right".

Highly profitable firms should support households struggling with energy bills, as a matter of "basic fairness" says Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.

Social Democrats Jennifer Whitmore is calling for a windfall tax on energy companies.

The Wicklow  TD argues highly profitable firms should contribute more to supporting households struggling with energy bills, as a matter of "basic fairness."

Deputy Whitmore, the Social Democrats’ spokesperson on energy, made the call as the party outlined its proposals for a windfall tax on excess energy company profits at its pre-Dáil think-in.

She's pointing to the latest financial results from State-owned ESB, which recorded a pretax profit of over €445 million in the first half of 2026.

That compares with a pretax profit of almost €352 million for the same period last year.

Deputy Whitmore says the figures highlight the scale of profits being generated across the energy sector, while households face continued financial pressure.

The Wicklow TD says it is "only right" that companies benefiting most from the energy crisis should pay their fair share.

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The Social Democrats estimate a windfall tax on excess profits could raise at least €450 million.

Deputy Whitmore maintains that money could be used to provide a targeted €400 energy credit to low and middle-income households struggling most.

She is currently drafting legislation to introduce a windfall tax on the excess profits of energy companies.