asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the ESB have quoted a price of £444 for installation of electricity in the new home of a person (name supplied) in Claregalway, County Galway: and if he considers this a reasonable charge in the circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Installation.
3.
I am informed by the ESB that the person in question requires supply to two newly built houses. The development of the area concerned under the final phase of the rural electrification programme has been completed for some time and subsidised terms are no longer available in the area. The terms quoted are based on the cost of extending the electricity supply to the houses and are the lowest possible in the circumstances.
My question was whether the Minister considers the charge reasonable and I should like him to give his opinion on this matter.
In the circumstances it is as reasonable as it could be. This area has been completed under the rural electrification programme. As the Deputy no doubt is aware, the rural electrification scheme is based on an area-by-area crash programme and if the ESB were to disrupt that programme it would not be possible to carry it out at subsidised cost. The area was canvassed and completed some time ago. People who have come in since then would be aware they would not get subsidised electricity.
This matter does not refer only to the area mentioned in the question. Throughout my area the same kind of money is being requested. I would ask the Minister to do something by way of increasing the subsidy. I know of four cases where £400 was requested——
The Deputy is broadening the subject matter of the question. I am calling Question No. 4.
4.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that a charge of £396.83 has been quoted for installation of electricity in the newly constructed home of a person (name supplied) in County Mayo; and if he considers this charge reasonable in the circumstances.
I am informed by the ESB that the person in question is seeking supply of electricity out of turn.
The Deputy will appreciate that under the programme of rural electrification areas for development must be taken in a planned sequence. Any persons in an area not yet covered under the scheme must be prepared to pay by way of capital contribution for getting supply before their time. If such persons are prepared to await their turn under the scheme no such capital contribution will be sought.
I understand from the ESB that the area concerned is due for development in 1974-75.
Would the Minister not agree that where a person wishes to construct a house in an area already canvassed by the ESB he will be faced with this exorbitant charge for electricity? If these large charges are to continue for those building homes in rural areas the result will be that they will be driven into the cities. There seems to be a certain element of discrimination against building homes in rural areas.
The position is that the rural electrification scheme was designed to provide electricity in rural areas at the cheapest possible rate. During the years it has been subsidised by various Governments; in the current programme the Government have paid £10 million towards the cost of £18 million. When this programme is finished, anyone building a house in those areas should know that he will have to pay the full cost. Before buying a site people would be well advised to consult with the ESB because the cost will vary from location to location within the area.
I would ask the Minister to consider this matter again. It appears people will have to go to certain areas to try to build houses but they may be refused planning permission. If they go to isolated areas they will have to pay too much for electricity. I am asking the Minister to set a maximum price on what these people will have to pay and to subsidise them if the cost is in excess of this amount.
That is not quite true. The cost of building a house will vary from area to area, and the cost of supplying electricity will also vary, depending on distance from the transformer and so on. This is quite reasonable. People should understand that and not buy sites where the cost of supplying electricity will be prohibitive.
What advice would the Minister suggest should be given to a farmer's son who wishes to build a house on his own land? I am referring to a person who is not buying a site but is confined to his own holding. Is such a person supposed to go to the city?
If they are to be supplied with electricity they should understand there will be a capital cost required by the ESB. This is not something new; it has been there since 1946. The cost varies from site to site.
Would the Minister state if there are any plans to subsidise further the installation of electricity? Not alone is it an economic factor, it is also a social factor.
I have no such plans at the moment.