Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 March 2022
14. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the electricity credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15258/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 has established 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 type of coin operated devices referred to by the Deputy are not installed by ESBN and are not regulated by the CRU. I understand that such devices are usually installed behind the electricity meter, and their use for payment of electricity is a contractual matter between residents and their landlords. While the majority of tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the payments directly, others would have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion would have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost. In the specific instance referred to in the correspondence, if the landlord holds a domestic electricity account, the credit will be paid to that account. With the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, my Department is working closely with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on a public information campaign to ensure that all tenants are aware of the scheme. Disputes relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.
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/.
