Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Commission for Energy Regulation refused permission to the ESB to reduce prices; his views on whether the ESB is being refused permission to lower prices in order to allow competitors to be profitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7832/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The regulation of ESB customer supply electricity tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. The CER is required to ensure that regulated tariffs are cost reflective. The CER will shortly complete its review of options for a reduction in electricity and gas prices, taking account of all relevant factors and having consulted with all players including ESB. I have also engaged with IBEC and with the major suppliers of the Large Energy Users. The timing and nature of decisions in relation to energy prices will be informed by the outcome of the Energy Regulator's review and my own discussions with the enterprise and energy sectors.