asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he approved of the new ESB rates; and if so, if he is aware of the contention that commercial concerns such as office blocks, city hotels, supermarkets, et cetera, which have a high consumption of electricity may benefit to the detriment of householders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Rates.
22.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the optional maximum demand tariffs which were introduced by the ESB last September. My approval was not necessary.
I am informed by the board that this method of charging, which is at the option of the consumer, is based on scientific principles of charging and reflects the cost to the board of meeting the pattern of the load required by the consumer. As it merely acknowledges the lesser demand made on the network and generating capacity of the board, no question of cross subsidisation by other categories of consumer arises.
If the Minister is stating that his approval was not necessary, was the approval of the Minister for Industry and Commerce necessary?
No, I do not think so. The board are quite free.
Is the Minister referring to increases granted by the Minister for Industry and Commerce recently which were not recommended by the Prices Commission?
We cannot have another Minister involved in the question.
What we are talking about is decreases in prices and not increases. These are arrangements that can be between an individual consumer and the board whereby they spread their demand for electricity over a longer period——
I am talking about increases.
These are decreases.