asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that, owing to the present method of charge for electricity, together with the drastic reductions in supply, there are many cases of very grave hardship arising from the net cost to the consumer; that, in certain cases, the cost per unit of electricity to the consumer reaches a figure of from 1/- upwards per unit, and if he will fix a maximum charge either by order or through the Prices Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Charges.
The accounts of the Electricity Supply Board are examined regularly in my Department since the start of the emergency and the charges permitted are not sufficient to meet the board's increased costs and expenses. I am prepared to examine the equity of the present methods of charge as between one class of consumer and another, but, in the meantime and until the position in regard to future restrictions on domestic consumption is clarified, I do not propose to fix a maximum charge.