Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 20 September 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Engagement with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Ms Aoife MacEvilly:

We have done research which suggests that customers are also interested in low-carbon options as well as cheaper options. There can be demographic differences between the customers whose preferences are around the lower carbon options. I do not think it is fair to say that the cost is the only issue for customers. Customers have a range of preferences. Some customers like pay-as-you-go options because it avoids large bills. We see that in our customer surveys. However, I would not say that is the best approach for every customer. We see some customers who want green tariffs and the ability to export microgen, but that is not the best option for all customers. That is why our preference is to support customers in making the best choice for themselves. That will be different across a range of households. Every family and business is different. The main concern we have is that, at the moment, customers may be lacking information or confidence. We have done a lot of behavioural research on the barriers preventing customers from making the choices that will benefit them most. We are trying to remove those barriers and to give customers the information and confidence.