Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
163. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the ongoing delaying in the disbursement of the energy credit; the date that the credit will be paid to households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13102/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 was signed into law on 4 March. The Act establishes 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 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 scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).The credit will be applied automatically. There is no need to apply for it.This legislation has been the subject of intense work since the beginning of December 2021 in close consultation with ESBN and the CRU. The Bill, which was granted a Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Waiver due to its urgency, was published on 28 January and completed its passage through the Houses on 2 March. An Early Signature Motion was moved in the Seanad on 3 March, and the President signed the Bill into law on 4 March. The scheme will become operational before the end of March, with payments being credited in April and May as electricity bills are issued.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/.
