Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
115. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to allowing households transfer the €200 electricity credit payment onto their fuel accounts in order to assist in meeting fuel costs. [60323/22]
View answer120. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to allowing the €200 electricity credits to be used towards a person's gas bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60477/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 120 together.
Government is acutely aware of the impact that the increase in global energy prices is having on households. That is why throughout 2022 Government introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023, and March/April 2023.
This scheme is operated by ESB Networks (the electricity Distribution System Operator) and electricity suppliers and uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number (MPRN). It is this use of the electricity billing infrastructure that ensures payments to each domestic electricity account are made automatically and without any means testing. The payment is not being applied to domestic gas accounts on the basis that it is intended to be a universal support to help everyone meet the cost of energy. Not all consumers use gas but electricity is supplied to all households. Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also included a package of cost of living measures including:· €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients bringing the Allowance for winter 2022/23 to €1,324· €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase· €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment· double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children· €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November· €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment
