asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will change the present system of allocation of 1,500 units under the free electricity allowance which is 200 units at present for the three summer periods and 300 units for the three winter periods to 1,500 units spread over the year regardless of when they are used; and if he will outline the extra charge to the Exchequer that this proposed change would cost.
Written Answers. - Free Electricity Scheme.
56.
The free electricity scheme meets the cost of the normal standing charge on the ESB's domestic consumer tariff and allows 1,500 free units of electricity each year, that is, up to 200 and 300 free electricity units per two-monthly billing period in summer and winter respectively.
The scheme on the whole has proved very useful and in its present format meets the objectives for which it was designed, which was to help with actual costs incurred from billing period to billing period. I am, however, having the scheme reviewed and as part of the review the proposal made by the Deputy as well as variations on the proposal will be considered.
At present levels the ESB charges the potential additional annual cost to the Exchequer of the Deputy's proposal would be about £2.6 million. It is estimated that the cost of the scheme in 1988 to the Exchequer will be £20.74 million in respect of about 170,000 persons.