Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I note the Minister's abdication of responsibility in respect of the role of the Commissioner for Energy Regulation in pricing. On the latest hike in gas prices, it is incredible that in August, when Bord Gáis Energy applied to the Commission for Energy Regulation for a 7.5% increase in residential gas tariffs to commence in October, the regulator not only approved the application but added 1% to the increase requested. The latest hike in gas prices will result in an increase in the average annual bill, which was €700 in 2011, to €1,000 per annum.

As the Minister indicated, the role of the Commission for Energy Regulation is to protect the interests of consumers and act as a brake on the price hiking instincts of utility companies. Against a background of cuts in fuel allowances and the failure on the part of the State, as a major purchaser of energy, to secure discounts, is the Minister satisfied with the role of the regulator? Notwithstanding the Government's best efforts, for example, through retrofitting and the warmer homes scheme, has the regulator acted appropriately in this regard? Do we have a fuel poverty crisis?

See this speech in context