Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

37 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will cap the opening of the electricity market to competition at 32 per cent by 2003; her views on whether any further opening up of the market should require primary legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12984/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The requirements for market opening in the electricity directive are the minimum requirements, set at 28 per cent on implementation on 19 February 2000 and 33 per cent three years later in 2003. The figure of 33 per cent for 2003 is calculated on an EU wide basis on foot of the directive as the proportion of all consumers using more than nine giga watt hours per year. The EU Commission calculates this figure each year based on statistics received from each member state.

Under the Bill as published, the Minister of the day may by order vary the figure of four giga watt hours on which the 28 per cent figure is based and will give notice of any intention to make such an order by publishing it in a newspaper circulat ing in the State at least 28 days before the making of such an order.

As the Bill implements the requirements of the directive in full, and as further opening of the market may be effected by ministerial order as I have already outlined, I do not consider it appropriate or necessary that any further opening of the market should require primary legislation.