Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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35. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is taking to drive down the cost of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21513/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive and they operate within national and European regulatory regimes.  I have no statutory function in the monitoring or setting of gas or electricity prices. Responsibility for the regulation of the gas or electricity markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.

As outlined in the Energy White Paper, Government policy is to ensure that policy choices impacting energy costs are evidence-based with a focus on competitiveness, cost-benefit, security and sustainability.

At a national level, the competitive energy market results in choices for consumers and businesses in terms of suppliers, products and prices and exerts downward pressure on prices.  As with any competitive market, it is hugely important that consumers would shop around to ensure that they get the best price and I would encourage all consumers to do so. Two CER approved websites, and , are very helpful in aiding consumers to choose the products that best suit their needs and assisting them to switch energy suppliers.

Under various relevant Statutory Instruments, CER carries out statutory market monitoring functions and has the responsibility to ensure the market operates competitively for the benefit of the consumer. It also conducts regulatory scrutiny of the network costs component of retail prices.

Energy efficiency measures also represent a significant opportunity for consumers and businesses to reduce their energy costs. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) provides the policy framework for energy efficiency in Ireland. Energy efficiency measures are available via the SEAI, to assist both business and domestic energy consumers, with significant funding allocated to them.