Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
135. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any financial allowances/credits provided to people who have to use high-energy medical equipment, for example, oxygen tanks, 24 hours per day, towards the cost of their electricity bills. [41926/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State provides a range of supports, including through the social welfare system, the health system and the taxation system, to support people based upon their individual circumstances.
Specifically in relation to energy bills and support through my Department and agencies, as part of Budget 2023 Government introduced a package of measures worth €2.5 billion, which included a new Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) was credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT).
In addition, vulnerable customers who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, 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, which maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register.
Suppliers are also required to ensure that all registered vulnerable customers are on the most economic tariff available for their chosen payment method and billing format.
Under the Solar PV for medically vulnerable Scheme, grant support will be provided to approximately 4,000 customers on the priority services register to install solar PV systems at their homes.
