asked the Minister for Transport and Power how or when the ESB decided that a consumer or group of consumers of electric current are to be charged at rural rate or urban rate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Charges.
13.
I am informed by the ESB that rural rates are charged in those areas in respect of which the capital subsidy for rural electrification is payable. On the commencement of the rural electrification scheme, it was decided, with the agreement of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, who was then responsible for the ESB, that all connections except those in towns of over 2,000 population, and in some smaller towns which already had supply before the commencement of the scheme, would qualify for subsidy. The position still obtains.