asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether it is a fact that meter rent is charged by the E.S.B. in respect of meters in houses, even during the months when no electricity is used.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - E.S.B. Meter Rents.
32.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that meter rent is charged to consumers on the two-part tariff only in respect of any meters which the consumer may require in excess of one. There is a small and diminishing number of consumers charged at flat rates and in these cases rental is charged in respect of each meter installed.
Meter rents, where payable, continue while the apparatus is retained by the consumers. They are necessary to recoup the Board the annual capital and other charges arising from the installation of meters in consumers' premises.
Would the Minister not agree that there is certain hardship on old people, especially old age pensioners, who have to pay this rental, some of them when they do not use electricity at all? Would the Minister make representations to the E.S.B. that they should take that fact into consideration and alter the system so that they will charge the rental only when the meter is in use?
Meter rent is charged only on the basis of the cost to the whole community, not to each meter holder. The Board makes a disconnection charge which under the circumstances is reasonable and results in some saving to the person concerned.