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Energy Prices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Questions (160)

Paul Murphy

Question:

160. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the proposed energy grant will be reviewed in light of ongoing inflation in energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10280/22]

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Written answers

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022, currently before the House, will establish a schme for an electricity costs emergency benefit payment to be credited, on a once off basis in 2022, to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. This is an exceptional measure designed to be delivered directly to all domestic electricity accounts using the existing electricity billing infrastructure and without application or further qualifying criteria, in order to allow payments to be made as efficiently and quickly as possible in light of the exceptional increases in electricity prices.

The scheme is to 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. The Government is acutely aware of the impact on households of increasing energy costs, which is why an increase in the benefit to €200, including VAT, was included in the suite of policy measures announced by Government on 10 February, and meant that the total funding to be allocated to the scheme increased to €400 million. It is important to note that this scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to target support for people at risk of energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget. 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/.

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