Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I agree with the point about transparency. I recall from my recent electricity bill that the PSO element was clearly shown. We are upfront with the public that this cost is in place, particularly concerning peat-fired power stations. In recent years, the wind public service obligation was nil. It subsidised the peat-fired stations such that it is only now triggering since prices have come down significantly. That is its purpose; it is a floor in times of lower electricity prices such that the overall return to the wind industry remains stable. This, in turn, helps investment. All the analysis we have carried out shows that, in the long run, such a level will bring down prices, especially with our high level of wind resources. It will give lower prices subject to what happens to gas prices. If gas stays very low in the coming ten or 20 years, then there will be low electricity prices. However, it is a protection against a rise in gas prices, which is likely to occur in the latter part of this decade according to the views of international experts. I do not know what the prices will be in October nor, I believe, does the CER. It must go through the process to establish that. However, we are doing what we can to get the carbon levy and to use it to bring down prices, especially for large energy users. We are concerned that jobs could be lost if we did not do this. This is one measure we have available and I am keen to see it in place. It will help to protect us against any increase in electricity prices in the autumn.

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