asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) whether the E.S.B. scheme for the new two-part tariff charges for electric current was sanctioned by him; (b) why the scheme was not placed before the Prices Advisory Body for their consideration; (c) what were the reasons advanced by the board for the alteration in the rates, and (d) whether he has received any protests against the introduction of the new rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - E.S.B. New Tariff Charges.
Under statute, responsibility for fixing charges for electricity rests on the E.S.B. and the question of my sanctioning the change in the system of charges recently announced by the board, or referring the matter to the Prices Advisory Body did not arise.
It has been stated by the E.S.B. that the change is designed to secure a simpler and more equitable system of charges which, while bringing the whole country closer to a uniform tariff, would not yield any additional net revenue to the board.