Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - ESB Retailing Activities.

Enda Kenny

Question:

262 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications under the new format where ESB retailing activities will be included in the customer service business unit, whether the considerable advantage of core business will be transferred to this new division; if separate profit and loss accounts in respect of the retail division will be published; and if these are to be of an abbreviated form as at present and included with other trading activities. [3122/94]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

As to the Deputy's suggestion that ESB's retailing activities possess a competitive advantage because of their association with the Board's "core" activities, I previously replied to the Deputy on this issue on the 17th of February, 1994.

In the context of the restructuring of the electricity industry, ESB will be reorganised into five business units, with each unit producing separate accounts to ensure full cost transparency. One of these is the customer service unit, which includes ESB's retailing activities. It is not envisaged that the legislation, which will give effect to the restructured electricity market, will require separate accounts to be published in respect of ESB's retailing activities.