Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023
114. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any supports are offered by energy companies to assist customers with an illness (details supplied) with more expensive energy bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20985/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA vulnerable customer is defined as a domestic customer who is critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment. This category of vulnerable customer cannot be disconnected for non-payment of account at any time. It is important that people who are in such situations contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Their energy supplier will then notify ESB Networks. ESBN maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register based on the information provided to them by suppliers.
SEAI are also currently finalising a scheme to provide Solar PV to vulnerable customers registered as being dependent on electrically powered assistive devices. This €20m scheme is targeted to provide direct support to over 3,000 vulnerable customers who may have limited opportunity to reduce their demand.
Responsibility for the regulation of retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the CRU under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. The CRU has a legislative obligation to protect the interest of energy customers and promote competition in retail energy markets. Under its legal mandate, the CRU is responsible for implementing customer protection measures, including those for vulnerable customers, which is done by the CRU through the placing of requirements on electricity and gas suppliers and electricity and gas network companies. These obligations are set out in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers’ Handbook and electricity and gas suppliers must comply with these obligations under their supply licence conditions.
Protections for Vulnerable Customers are set out in the Supplier Handbook. The CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and has a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members: oireachtas@cru.ie
