Alan Dillon
Ceist:3. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are in place to help with energy costs. [34594/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 June 2022
Ceisteanna (3)
Freagraí scríofa
Government is acutely aware of the impact of rising energy prices on households. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Government has already taken action and 99% of domestic electricity accounts have now been credited with the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment of €176.22 (excl. VAT). The total cost of this scheme is c€380 million. This is in addition to the range of measures introduced on 10 February to address increasing costs of living, including the lump sum payment for people on the Fuel Allowance of €125, paid to recipients in March. Furthermore, a €320 million measure has been introduced to temporarily reduce excise duties on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil, which cut excise by 20c per litre of petrol and 15c per litre of diesel.
Government published the National Energy Security Framework detailing consumer supports and protections already in place and that are being enhanced including: - an additional €100 Fuel Allowance payment, - a new targeted €20 million scheme for the installation of Photo Voltaic (PV) panels for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons - a reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October.
On June 14th Government announced a package of measures to secure electricity supplies including an indicative annual saving of €75 on household bills through a further reduction in the PSO levy.