Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
138. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the arrangements for the domestic energy credit in multi-occupancy buildings in which there was one account but households are using sub-meters; if there is a mechanism for these households using sub-meters to apply for special consideration for the credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices has had on households and has prioritised action across Government to support people to stay warm and well through this winter. This is why a €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented during 2022, and a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. The Budget package included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT). The first two payments have already been made to accounts and the third will be credited by suppliers to accounts from 1 March. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
On the 21st of February Government announced a further €470 million package of measures to help social protection recipients from April to July and an extension to the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills until October.
The Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme payments are made to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, 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). The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application/approval process. On this basis each payment has reached over 2.1 million accounts, representing well over 90% of eligible accounts.
Despite this advantage, the scheme does have limitations. While one credit is applied per domestic MPRN, there are cohorts such as households on sub meters, that may only received a proportion of the payment. Officials from my Department are examining this matter to determine if a solution can be developed.
Any customer that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, including customers on a Pay As You Go meter who have a need for financial assistance to facilitate their continued energy supply. Every effort will be made to ensure that these vulnerable individuals in financial distress, and who qualify, receive an Additional Needs Payment on the same day or as soon as possible where it relates to electricity and heating expenses.
On the 13th of December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023, including people on PAYG meters. The fund will provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from suppliers and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.
