Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
71. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to review correspondence regarding energy grants (details supplied); if it is correct that this person is omitted from applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8630/24]
View answerAs part of Budget 2024, Government approved the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme III. Over 2.2 million households in the Republic of Ireland will benefit from this scheme, totalling €450 per household.
The payment is applied to domestic electricity accounts which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). This includes accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application. ESB networks, the electricity distribution system operator (DSO), operates the scheme by virtue of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESBN makes payments to the individual energy suppliers, who then credit individual domestic electricity accounts. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is charged with oversight of the scheme.
Unfortunately, in the situation set out in the Question, ESB Networks are unable to identify a MPRN and the household is therefore ineligible for the electricity credit payment.
