andDr. Gibbons asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a full statement on the proposal for a scheme of deferred payments for applicants for electricity connections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Payments Scheme.
14.
Mr. Kitt, Mr. Leonard
I am informed by the ESB that the new scheme is expected to come into operation on 1st December, 1976, and will cover capital costs of new connections to the electricity supply. The scheme will be on the following lines:— (a) the first £300 of the cost of connection in each case will be payable in advance to the board; (b) thereafter, a maximum of £1,000 can be obtained by the applicant on deferred payment terms, which may extend up to five years, with instalments included in the consumer's two-monthly electricity bill; (c) the rate of interest will be the appropriate commercial rate applicable when the deferred payment agreement is concluded.
The board add that full details of amounts payable, conditions of loan and so on will be given to each householder who avails of the scheme.
Will the Minister state if cases where quotations have already been given will be covered under this scheme?
I am afraid not. Persons who have already made lump sum payments for connection to the electricity supply but who have not yet been connected will not come under the scheme.
Will the Minister state the position where the payment is not made but where the quotation has been given? Will such people be eligible for the new scheme?
I have nothing here that tells me they will be excluded. The Deputy will appreciate that, as I am speaking for the Minister, I can only say what is in the brief before me. If he cares to pursue the inquiry I am sure the Department will inform him of the position and, if necessary, the House.
Will the Minister not agree that it will cost the Department very little when one takes into account that the people concerned will have to pay the first £300 as well as the interest rates in the following years? While the Department are introducing the scheme, it is obvious it will cost them very little.
If the Deputy wishes to draw that conclusion he may do so.