Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2022
169. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider the temporary removal of 'early exit fees' for customers tied to contracts with energy providers in order that those faced with large unit price increases can look for alternative suppliers, taking into account the huge increased energy cost burden on businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55946/22]
View answerI know businesses around the country are very worried heading into the winter. The cost of energy and of doing business is rising, interest rates are going up and consumer confidence is waning. Irish businesses can rely on us to back them and to protect jobs to ensure a strong economy.
The Government announced a package of measures in the recent budget to respond. The TBESS will provide payments to qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs, subject to a monthly cap of €10,000 per trade, increasing to a maximum of €30,000 in certain circumstances.
My Department has no function in relation to the regulation of the electricity market. This is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is the independent energy regulator and was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
