In cases where apartment blocks or groups of buildings are supplied with heat, rather than fuel, it is the heat supplier that is the purchaser of the gas and, therefore due to the scale of the gas purchase, a commercial tariff is applied. Gas and electricity retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. However, I am acutely aware of the impact that current, internationally influenced, energy price increases are having on people and families and, for that reason, Government has put in place a series of measures with funding of €2.4 billion to help alleviate the impact, particularly on lower income households. Further measures are being considered in the context of Budget 2023.
In line with the commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2021, a District Heating Steering Group was established earlier this year. The Steering Group has met seven times so far and oversees a number of Working Groups that are conducting in-depth, solutions-based analysis of the key areas that must be addressed in order to support district heating. The Steering Group is working on recommendations to ensure that a robust governance and regulatory framework is put in place to support expansion of district heating, along with any legislation that may be required. This will help ensure consumer protection and considerations in this regard encompass legacy district heating schemes that are already in operation in Ireland. The Steering Group is expected to bring its report to Government later this year.
