Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his specific role in relation to the setting down of regulations for the number of times utility companies may estimate domestic bills; his policy in relation to requiring companies to provide accurate bills to customers on a regular basis; if he is satisfied with the current regulatory framework that the office of the energy regulator is performing its duties in this regard and that customers are generally aware of their rights in relation to estimated bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10620/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, I have no function in the regulation of electricity or gas meter readings or billing procedures. Responsibility for these matters lies with the energy regulator, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.

I have requested that the CER respond directly to the Deputy to set out the policies, procedures and guidelines it has put in place in relation to meter readings and billing, as well as the relevant consumer awareness initiatives it has undertaken.

With regard to the Irish energy regulatory framework, the recently published White Paper; "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland" commits to a comprehensive review following the introduction of the Single Electricity Market.