Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
175. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the Commissioner for the Regulation of Utilities engaging with energy providers on the prevention of electricity theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57469/22]
View answer176. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received any reports from the Commission of the Regulation of Utilities on electricity theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57470/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together. The theft of electricity is a very serious matter from both a safety standpoint and as a distinct criminal offence in accordance with the Energy (Misc. Provisions) Act 2012. The theft of electricity adds to the cost of electricity for all customers.Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU 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 has responsibility for, inter alia, safety and theft matters.ESB Networks, who are the Distribution System Operator, undertake revenue protection related work in accordance with the obligations placed upon them by condition 7 of their Distribution System Operator (DSO) licence. ESB Networks are accountable to the CRU in respect of the fulfilment of their obligations under their DSO licence.The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question. Such queries can be submitted to oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
