asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of the increasing awareness of the need to reduce air pollution in urban areas and the potential of natural gas in this regard, he has any plans to promote the greater use of natural gas or to reduce the price of natural gas to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Natural Gas.
21.
Natural gas is a clean, versatile fuel and can contribute significantly towards improving air quality in urban areas. Bord Gáis Éireann are conducting an extensive marketing campaign to highlight this advantage of natural gas.
As regards pricing, BGE are already offering an attractive pricing package to encourage householders to switch to natural gas. Specific measures to reduce air pollution are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment.
I am sure the Minister will agree that the success or failure of the smoke controlled areas will depend on the ability of people to pay for the fuel to reduce smoke emissions. Apart from the Dublin Gas Company's promotion offers, has the Minister any plans to ensure that the price of gas to the consumer will be retained at a level which should be at least as low as that for the solid fuel they have been purchasing up to now?
The Deputy can be assured that the price of BGE fuel is closely monitored by me. The Deputy will be aware that BGE are already offering very attractive incentives for people to switch to natural gas. For example, they are offering a 50-50 cash back for customers installing natural gas central heating for the first time. This means the customer gets all his gas at half price for three years, which is a very substantial incentive.