Written answers

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Prices

12:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 47: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reports from the Commission for Energy Regulation of a proposal to re-balance electricity tariffs in favour of big business resulting in a possible increase in domestic electricity charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35503/09]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Restoring the competitiveness of Irish industry is a priority concern for Government. In that context proportionate rebalancing of network tariffs in favour of Large Energy Users (LEUs) has been called for, in order to mitigate the cost of energy for industry. Protecting jobs and economic activity is in the interest of every consumer and every citizen as Ireland's industrial electricity prices tend to be above average when compared with other EU Member States as a result of a variety of factors. The Government therefore agreed in July that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) be asked to undertake a measure of rebalancing of network tariffs next year in favour of large energy users.

Any rebalancing of tariffs will not take place until October 2010 following a full public consultation by the CER. It is also the case that further falls in fossil fuel prices, coupled with the further efficiencies being driven by CER and the entry of new more efficient generating plant to our electricity market could, in fact, offset any potential rise in domestic electricity rates in 2010. It also should be noted that major savings, which can more than offset any rebalancing, are already available to electricity consumers who decide to switch electricity suppliers and more than 10% of customers have availed of these opportunities so far this year. In addition, there are a number of concrete actions that any customer can take to reduce their electricity consumption and hence their electricity bill as advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and reinforced by the "Power of One" campaign.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.