asked the Minister for Energy if he will consider introducing cheap electricity on farms throughout Ireland as farming is one of the major industries in this country.
Written Answers. - Farm Electricity Tariffs.
95.
Recently I announced a reduction in electricity tariffs for manufacturing industry particularly for heavy users, as it is widely accepted that these consumers have been paying more than their European competitors for electricity.
Most farms in Ireland are supplied at the domestic rate of charge and domestic tariffs in Ireland are competitive with those in other European countries. As the cost of supply to rural areas are higher than the costs of supplying urban domestic consumers, many farms are enjoying a relatively favourable rate. While a special reduction for farm use would not be appropriate in present circumstances, every opportunity to reduce electricity costs overall will be availed of.