Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
109. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that customers who remain with their current energy suppliers are penalised; the reason constant switching is required in order to avail of the cheapest energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35685/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperating within an overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of these markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the independent energy regulator. The CRU was assigned responsibility for this following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.
As part of its statutory role, the CRU also has consumer protection functions and monitors energy retail markets to ensure that competition continues to develop for the benefit of the consumer. It also oversees non-price aspects of competition and has taken, and continues to take, steps to increase transparency and consumer engagement in retail markets. Furthermore, the CRU has a dedicated email address for deputies to contact them oireachtas@cru.ie for timely replies.
