Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
63. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many electricity customers did not receive the latest electricity credit due to be being below the low energy threshold that is, using less than 150kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy a quarter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. [13652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications who decided that electricity customers who are below the low energy threshold that is, using less than 150kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy a quarter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 would be disqualified from accessing the electricity credit; the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the decision to exclude electricity customers who are below the low energy threshold that is, using less than 150kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy a quarter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 from receiving the electricity credit has hit vulnerable households, especially people living alone who do not have the same usage requirements as a larger household yet are struggling with high bills; if he considered these households when introducing the electricity credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13654/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is an issue with low electrical consumers receiving the Government allocated credits to their bills; if an issue with allowing such consumers receive the credit in the past; how many consumers did not receive the credit for this reason; if the Government will refund these customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15299/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 64, 65 and 130 together.
As part of Budget 2024 Government approved a new tranche of Emergency Electricity Credits which over 2.2 million households will benefit from - worth €450 in total per household.
The payments are being applied 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).
Under Scheme III, usage levels are assessed to ensure that payments are withheld in relation to low usage electricity accounts identified by the distribution system operator, to prevent the payment from being applied to vacant houses.
ESB Networks identified accounts which consumed less than 150 kilowatt hours of electricity per quarter for four consecutive quarters between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Domestic electricity accounts flagged as low usage accounts, will not be allocated a payment for that payment period. The payment will not be withheld for accounts with a financial hardship meter, accounts held by registered as a vulnerable customer or accounts which have low usage due to the exporting of energy to the grid through microgeneration.
The Scheme allows for review by a customer’s electricity supplier, if contacted by a customer who has not received the payment. The customer can seek further review by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which has oversight of the Scheme, following the decision of the electricity supplier
The CRU confirmed that as of 15 March, 95% of all eligible customers had the December, and January/February credit payments applied to their account. The majority of the remaining 5% cohort are low usage accounts for whom the account holder has not contacted the supplier. These account holders may request their electricity supplier review its refusal to make an electricity costs emergency benefit payment up until the 30 June 2024.
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. 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.
Any individual that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, who have a need for financial assistance.
Household customers struggling with their bills are strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier, directly or through as third-party representative. Suppliers will not disconnect customers that continue to engage with them and suppliers have additional customers supports in place, including hardship funds. to meet costs of essentials such as energy.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 63.
