Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My party is deeply concerned at the current high level of retail energy prices. These are footed by the consumer at the end of the day. This is at a time when there has been a significant collapse in wholesale gas prices. The Minister is aware consumers are not seeing the equivalent cuts in their electricity and gas bills from the main retail operators. While he is correct that wholesale gas prices decreased by 29% in 2015, the retail equivalent decrease was just 5%, a mere €50 reduction per annum. Any retail energy bill decreases will be negated by the planned PSO levy increase of over 30% this October.

I agree with the PSO approach and support for the renewable energy sector. I also acknowledge the necessity of getting tariffs in place to encourage the solar sector to become part of that mix of renewables. Does the Minister believe the CER is sufficiently empowered with enforcement and sanctioning powers regarding the wholesale electricity and gas market to ensure consumers are getting a fair price?

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