John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to discuss the PSO levies on electricity charges and the proposed increases for 2016 and 2017. The PSO is a Government levy on all customers, both domestic and industrial. It has been increased substantially over the years and it is used to subsidise renewable energy generation. The proposed increase of 36% comes into effect in October. I have been contacted by a number of companies that would be greatly affected by this increase. In one case, a company whose bills during 2015 and 2016 were €5,500 per month, or €66,000 per annum, will face bills of €7,500 per month, or €90,000 per annum, if this goes ahead.

We all know the importance of small businesses, job security and job creation, but this increase would negatively affect that. I know some decreases in electricity prices have been implemented by energy companies in recent times, but this would wipe all of that out. I ask that the Minister with responsibility for this area - the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Naughten - be invited to the House to explain the justification for this increase and the effect it would have on jobs and particularly for small businesses.