Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1267. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that has been collected from homeowners and businesses since the introduction of the PSO energy levy; his views on the burden this is placing on families and businesses; his plans to reduce the levy in conjunction with the CER; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total amount and details of the PSO levy for each levy year are calculated and published annually by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). This material is publicly available at www.cer.ie. The following table shows the annual amounts for the PSO levy for each year since 2003.
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy has been in place since 2001. The PSO levy facilitates a set of support schemes designed to facilitate the achievement of national electricity policy objectives for renewables and security of supply by using indigenous fuel sources. The PSO has supported the connection of more than 3,000 MW of renewables to the electricity grid. It will continue to support the development of renewable energy to meet the 40% renewable electricity target by 2020. The Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for electricity exported to the grid. An update report published by the Council for European Energy Regulators found that Ireland still has one of the lowest levels of monetary support per unit of gross electricity produced. The report is available at -http://www.ceer.eu/portal/page/portal/EER_HOME/EER_PUBLICATIONS/CEER_PAPERS/Electricity/2017/C16-SDE-56-03%20Status%20Review%20RES%20Support%20Schemes.pdf.
The PSO Levy is a charge on all electricity customers without exception and is determined by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation by the CER are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (S.I. 217 of 2002). I am acutely aware of the financial pressure faced by households and businesses. I would encourage everyone to avail of the energy efficiency grants available through SEAI to reduce their energy bills. Details are available here: http://seai.ie/Grants/.
I would also encourage all consumers to shop around and contact their existing supplier to ensure that they get the best price. Two CER approved websites, www.bonkers.ie and www.switcher.ie, are very helpful in aiding consumers to choose the products that best suit their needs.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2003 |
€45.5m |
|
2004 |
€74.5m |
|
2005 |
€103.3m |
|
2006 |
€44.2m |
|
2007 |
€5.1m |
|
2008 (1 January -30 September) |
€1.9m |
|
2009 (1 October 2008- September 2009) |
€-14.0m |
|
2009/2010 |
€341.6m |
|
2010/2011 |
€157.2m |
|
2011/2012 |
€92.1m |
|
2012/2013 |
€131.2m |
|
2013/2014 |
€210.9m |
|
2014/2015 |
€335.4m |
|
2015/2016 |
€325.3m |
|
2016/2017 |
€392.4m |
