Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm the exact mechanism by which the €200 credit will be applied to those households with prepay electricity meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11016/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 aims to establish a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. This Bill is currently before the Houses, with a view to the scheme becoming operational by the end of Quarter 1. This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts and will include pre-pay customers.The mechanism by which pay as you go customers will receive the credit is currently being finalised in discussions between the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), ESB Networks and suppliers. The CRU has indicated that it is expected that this would happen by way of the credit being applied towards the account of the pay as you go customer, who would then receive the credit when they vend for credit. My Department is engaging closely with the CRU on this matter, and will continue to do so.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/.
