asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the ESB are refusing to connect electric current to new houses where provision has not been made for an electric cooker and an immersion group for heating water; and if he will take such steps as are necessary to require the ESB to discontinue this restriction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restrictions on Electricity Supply.
32.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that they have never refused to extend supply to new houses because provision was not made for an electric cooker and an immersion group for water heating.
Could I ask, if a builder puts up a scheme of houses and the intention is to use gas for cooking whether it will cost more to have the houses connected than it would if they are wired for electric cooking?
The only reply I can give on that is in connection with local authority schemes. The ESB makes a distinction between the capital contributions required if as part of the installation of a house, an electric cooker is included or is not included. A capital contribution is required where it is felt that consumption of electricity will be so low that it will place a heavy charge on the ESB. If the Deputy puts to me the particular case he has in mind, I will refer it to the ESB but I may say that the ESB takes the same action in respect of all people of this kind. They take special action with regard to urban housing schemes.
They rob everybody indiscriminately.
Question No. 33 postponed.