Vol. 496 No. 3
41 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the new electricity legislation will include provisions in respect of electricity tariffs to encourage energy recovery from waste; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19979/98]
The forthcoming legislation to establish an independent commission for electricity regulation, which I propose to introduce shortly, will not include specific provisions in respect of tariffs for electricity generated using renewable or alternative sources, such as energy recovery from waste.
However, as referred to in previous replies to questions tabled by the Deputy, it is my intention that the Bill currently being drafted will include a provision entitling electricity consumers to purchase electricity which is produced using a renewable or alternative form of energy as its primary source.
I envisage that this provision will be brought into effect once the detailed practical arrangements, including trading arrangements, for the opening of the market in accordance with the EU electricity directive, have been developed and implemented.
