Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2044. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the work of the SEAI's behavioural economics unit; if this unit has published its first report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33163/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2045. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of ongoing talks between the SEAI and the CRU on reforming energy rates here to reflect the research findings of the SEAI's behavioural economics unit. [33164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2044 and 2045 together.
The Behavioural Economics Unit (BEU) is contributing to the achievement of national energy policy objectives in a number of ways. One of these is by looking at the potential for further research and assessment here in Ireland informed by what has worked well elsewhere. The BEU has not yet published its first Report which is at an advanced stage of drafting and is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. The Report will comprise a review of current international evidence on what works when it comes to encouraging sustainable energy behaviours. Which of the research proposals that will be covered in the Report that might be progressed will need to be carefully considered by SEAI in close consultation with my Department and other relevant stakeholders.
In relation to Irish electricity and gas prices the BEU Report will include some content on Smart Meters, Demand Response, time-of-use tariffs and in-home display research amongst other potential topics for further research in an Irish context. The Report will make reference to energy tariffs only in a research context in relation to examining international examples where time of use tariffs have been used previously to encourage energy efficiency and/or to encourage homeowners to use energy during different time periods throughout the day. The Report will not make any binding or specific recommendations relating to tariffs but rather provides an evidence base from international sources for consideration of further research that could be useful to policy makers.
On energy prices generally, the Deputy will appreciate that the overarching energy objective of successive Governments has been to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. The electricity and gas markets are commercial and operate within national and European regulatory regimes. CRU’s regulation of retail market prices ended in 2011 in relation to electricity and in 2014 in relation to gas. Suppliers determine the electricity and gas prices they charge their customers. At a national level, this has resulted in choices for consumers and businesses in terms of suppliers, products and prices. Successive Ministers have encouraged consumers to either switch supplier or to contact their current supplier to ensure that the best available deal is being provided. Two CRU approved websites, www.bonkers.ie and www.switcher.ie, are very helpful in aiding consumers to choose the products that best suit their needs and assisting them to switch energy suppliers.
