asked the Minister for Energy the monthly consumption of electricity for (a) the industrial sector and (b) the domestic sector in respect of the periods January to May in 1979 and 1980; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Consumption.
32.
As the figures for April-May 1980 are not yet available, I am not in a position to answer the Deputy's question in full. However, I have put in a tabular statement the latest figures available and I propose to circulate them in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Industrial Sector
|
1979 Giga Watt Hours |
1980 Giga Watt Hours |
% increase/decrease |
|
|
January/February |
476.3 |
541.9 |
+13.8 |
|
February/March |
12.5 |
11.0 |
-12.0 |
|
March/April |
532.4 |
510.0 |
–4.2 |
Domestic Sector
|
1979 Giga Watt Hours |
1980 Giga Watt Hours |
% increase/decrease |
|
|
January/February |
362.4 |
356.6 |
–1.6 |
|
February/March |
368.7 |
351.7 |
–4.6 |
|
March/April |
327.5 |
308.5 |
–5.8 |
As electricity meters are read on a two-monthly basis the ESB can only give information for two-monthly periods.
If the Deputy has any further queries when he has examined these figures perhaps he would contact me.
In relation to each of the six figures that the Minister has given, do they indicate an upward trend or a downward trend?
The trend is downwards.
Is the downward trend due to conservation or to the recession in industry?
Nobody can say with certainty but I would think that there are a number of factors in it. I would hope there might be some conservation involved. A downturn in production might account for it in some industrial areas and the milder winter would be another factor.