The carbon tax has come into effect.
An increase in the carbon tax on home heating fuels has come into effect.
The rise will add an extra €20 to the cost of filling a tank of oil.
And €1.40 to the average monthly gas bill.
Energy providers, Electric Ireland, SSE Airtricity and Panda Power have all increased their prices.
Some of them by hundreds of euros annually.
The former head of the ESRI says the government needs to better promote the financial benefits of choosing more environmentally friendly options.
Adjunct Professor of Economics at Trinity College Dublin is John Fitzgerald.
He has said that investment in greener options will help save people money in the long run.
A government minister insists measures like the €200 energy credit will help offset the impact of the latest carbon tax increases.
An opposition motion to scrap the increase was defeated in the Dail last week.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris says the government's also ready if further action's required.
"As we approach the consideration of next year's budget as well, it's really important we recognise that there is an acute cost of living crisis," Minister Harris said.
"We need to pull all levers that we can to assist."
"The carbon tax impact has been offset for the vast majority of people by measures that have been put in place in recent weeks," Minister Harris added.
