Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. I apologise for having had to leave the meeting for a vote that was called in the Seanad. I hope that none of the questions I have for the delegates have already been asked. Some 110,500 customers switched suppliers last year. Is an increase anticipated in the coming year? On switching suppliers does a time stipulation apply? Can a customer switch back to his or her previous supplier and switch forward to a competitor or must the customer remain with a supplier for six months, a year or two years?

Pay-as-you-go meters have been installed. Am I right in saying that they are installed free of charge? What would be cost for a household comprising two adults and two children to pay under the normal meter compared to the cost of switching to the pay-as-you-go meter system? Would the delegates have an idea of the comparison of annual costs for such a household? Is there any saving between the two systems? I believe the pay-as-you-go meter system is more expensive, although I cannot quantify that. The delegates might confirm if that is the case.

I welcome what the delegates said that on the question of the disconnection of supply, every opportunity possible is given to consumers, including deferred payments. I presume disconnection is a last resort ,and that is the way it should be. Some colleagues mentioned reconnection costs. I must declare that I am a former ESB employee. I consider that reconnection costs are exorbitant. It cost one consumer recently upwards on €1,700 to be reconnected in circumstances where he had no outstanding bills. He had his electricity disconnected while an extension, painting or rewiring work was being carried out and a reconnection fee of close to €2,000 is exorbitant.

I note from one of the delegate's presentation that industrial and commercial prices in Ireland are above averages in the euro area and in the EU. Is there a main reason that is the case? Will the situation improve with EirGrid's G25 proposals for the next five to ten years? Will electricity costs be more competitive for commercial, industrial and domestic consumers which would make us more competitive? The delegates might comment on that aspect.