Energy Prices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Ceisteanna (88)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

88. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the position in relation to the previous scheme of support for electricity bills and specifically the position of some Traveller sites without individual supply; if the funding given to those individuals in these sites which was taken from an accommodation budget has or will be reimbursed to that fund from his Department; if he will further clarify whether alternative arrangements are in place to deal with this in the case of any future support scheme on electricity costs being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43029/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices.The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) has been applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April, May and June, including prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. This was an exceptional measure which used the single eligibility criterion of an electricity meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible this year, without any additional means testing. The payment has been applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act.Officials from my Department are in contact with their colleagues in the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government on the matter raised by the Deputy.