Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)

One is the question of prioritisation. We are obviously behind the curve on it in the context of energy. In respect of water, is that something that is being prepared for with regard to the question of prioritisation of large energy users versus households?

Regarding standing charges, has there been any consideration of the issue with smart meters and how one of the disincentives is that when people are using energy more efficiently, the standing charges go up? Has there been any analysis of that or how to go about tackling it?

I very much welcome what was said on battery storage and the plans for maybe exponentially scaling that up. We have heard from experts that this is crucial. The witnesses might explain the plan for the next year or two years on battery storage.

Dr. Harrington mentioned the gas markets. I have a question regarding the system we have currently whereby renewable energy prices are artificially higher because they are pinned, in many cases, to gas, when that happens to be the last thing entering the market. Is that something that can only be tackled at EU level? I would appreciate a note on what the steps would be, be it national policy within the Department's remit or at EU level, for tackling this in order that cheap renewable energy, such as solar, can be presented to people in a way that is affordable rather than artificially pinned to an artificial high price tacked with gas. I would appreciate something written on that.