asked the Minister for Transport and Power the money value of sales in respect of each category of electricity usage analysed in Appendix 3 of the ESB annual report for 1966-67.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Supply Board.
1.
Mr. Barrett
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the revenue from the three categories of charge analysed in Appendix 3 of the Board's report are:—
|
£ |
|
|
Domestic |
12,625,000 |
|
Commercial |
8,136,000 |
|
Industrial |
5,929,000 |
2.
Mr. Barrett
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to reports that the ESB have been putting pressure on building developers by way of agreeing to a reduced price for supply installations on condition that houses involved are fitted with electric points; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It has always been the policy of the Electricity Supply Board to request a contribution to the cost of an extension of its mains if expected revenue appeared inadequate to cover the cost of the extension. In the case of building schemes a decisive factor in assessing the economics of extending the mains is the expected degree of utilisation of electricity in the houses. Experience shows that adequate electrical installations increase the use of electricity leading to a higher estimate of revenue which enables the Board to extend supply either without any capital contribution or at a reduced contribution.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Electricity Supply Board is under a statutory obligation to balance revenue and expenditure and cannot, therefore, undertake extensions of its system except on an economic basis.
3.
Mr. Barrett
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to reports that the ESB have been offering discount to building developers who agree to install electric cookers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Board that it is correct to say that the Board offers discounts to builders who purchase electric cookers from the Board for installation in new houses. This is, of course, normal business practice and the Board is in competition with other suppliers of electrical appliances in this matter.
4.
Mr. Barrett
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that advertising and other promotional methods currently employed by the ESB are contrary to past ministerial undertakings that private enterprise need fear no competition from State-owned undertakings; and whether he proposes to exercise appropriate corrective control in the interests of public policy.
I do not accept that the Board's advertising and promotional methods in any way contravene public policy and I see no necessity for any corrective action in the matter.