Vol. 498 No. 1
127 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will outline the position in relation to the difference in standing charges of the ESB having regard to the provisions of EU law and to the companies monopoly position. [26380/98]
The ESB does not consider that it is in breach of EU law by differentiating between rural and urban customers in fixing standing charges because the difference in treatment is based on objectively justifiable criteria. EU law prohibits abuse of dominant position by a monopoly supplier, but differences in treatment on grounds that are objective and justifiable do not constitute a breach of EU law.
