Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was said that the regulator did seven price controls over 14 years and that the operating costs in real terms have decreased in the energy sector. I cannot argue with that, and it probably has happened, but I know what has happened at the other end. I am using less energy in my home than I used 40 years ago but I am paying multiples of what I paid for it at that time, as is everybody in this room and outside this building. Is it the case that the regulator does not have the power to intervene in this respect? What type of restrictions apply to the regulator? I am puzzled about this. How does the regulator explain the huge gap that has opened up between the operational costs - I do not doubt, as was said, the impact if they have been reduced in real terms - and increased efficiencies there and, on the other hand, the massive increase in costs across the energy sector? Our energy bills have skyrocketed in the past 14 years. What has the regulator done to regulate that sector and rein in those costs? Has it not had the power to do that, or what is the position? I am concerned that, with regard to water charges, we would start off with an amount for the charge and within a few years the charge could be multiples of that amount.