Gary Gannon
Question:83. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update regarding improving measures to avoid disconnections for energy customers. [24647/23]
View answerThursday, 15 June 2023
Questions (83)
Written answers
The Government is committed to ensuring vulnerable people are protected during the cost-of-living crisis.
Energy suppliers are required by their license conditions to adhere to rules in their dealings with customers as outlined in the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities Supplier Handbook. These rules are in place to ensure that all customers experience a high standard of protection when interacting with energy suppliers.
These customer protections are complemented by the supplier led Energy Engage Code that provides a further level of security for domestic electricity and gas customers. Customers who are having difficulty in paying their bills are encouraged to engage with their supplier regarding the management of debt. Under this code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection. There are also additional protections for vulnerable customers who register as such with their energy suppliers
More information about this can be found in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers' Handbook 2023, and on the CRU website.
The Government introduced €2.5 billion in once-off measures to support households in Budget 2023. including an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme which credited €600 to every electricity account nationwide over three billing cycles.
Communication on how to manage energy and access the supports available is crucial for how we support people at risk of energy poverty in the long term. Research commissioned by my Department is showing very high levels of awareness and support for the Reduce Your Use/Stay Warm & Well campaign which provides information on energy saving measures and where to go for help with meeting the cost of energy.
My Department is continuing to monitor the effect of existing supports, completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and exploring future measures to support consumers in the context of Budget 2024.
Question No. 84 answered orally.