Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
164. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the €200 electricity subsidy which was given to homeowners will be given to small business owners who both work and live in the same premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022, currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas will establish a scheme to make a once off payment, in 2022, of to each domestic electricity account holder, to mitigate the exceptional rise in energy prices. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers and overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Based on the number of domestic electricity accounts, ESBN will make payments to the individual energy suppliers who will then credit each domestic electricity account held with them. The scheme will also include pre-pay customers. This is an exceptional measure designed to be delivered directly to all domestic electricity accounts, as defined by the rate of distribution use of system charges to which they are subject, using the existing electricity billing infrastructure and without application or further qualifying criteria. The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
