Vol. 482 No. 6
39 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government's intentions regarding the implementation of the EU Directive liberalising the electricity generation and transmission sectors across Europe; and the consequences of this directive for the ESB. [18714/97]
My Department published a consultation paper in May this year which outlined proposals for the implementation of the EU Electricity Directive. The purpose of this paper was to stimulate discussion on how best to introduce a competitive framework.
A wide and varied number of responses was received from industry representatives, including the ESB, prospective independent generators and environmentalists.
My Department is reviewing the proposals in the paper in the light of the responses received and is meeting with a range of interested parties.
When this evaluation procedure is completed, I will be making a recommendation to the Government on the most appropriate structure. I will announce the Government's decision in due course.
The next step will be to introduce legislation to meet the implementation date for Ireland, which is February 2000. At that stage, there will be a requirement for the opening of approximately 28 per cent of the market to competition.
I am confident that the ESB will be able to operate competitively in the new open market. It is already preparing to embrace the challenges and opportunities that this will present.
I should point out that the ESB will continue to have a monopoly on electricity sales to the majority of consumers who will not be eligible to buy in the competitive market.
It is my intention to ensure that there will be a level playing pitch for all industry participants including ESB. The ultimate objective must be lower electricity prices together with the maintenance, and improvement where possible, of standards of service.
