Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply and his commitment that low-income households and vulnerable customers would not be affected. The ESB is trying to cod us all. It is discouraging energy efficiency as this charge will penalise low energy usage which is contrary to the policy pursued by the Government and everyone else.

There is a need to monitor the effect of the low-usage charge. I hope the Minister, with the ESB, will assess who the charge affects and review the category of users who have exemptions with the need to re-examine this decision in the next several months. I believe the ESB has changed its meter-reading process - it certainly has in Cork city - and is not reading them as often as it claims.

I welcome the Minister's commitment in his reply that low-income households and vulnerable customers would not be affected. I hope the ESB will review this charge.

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