Written answers

Wednesday, 18 January 2017

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Usage

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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232. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the ESB is in compliance with EU Directive 2004/ 22/EC and CER/13/281 (details supplied) in view of information that emerged at the end of December 2016 that 27,000 meters maintained by the ESB contained a fault thought to be caused by deterioration in one of the components which causes the meter to over record; and the steps he will take to ensure compliance by the ESB with these rules. [2117/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. I have passed the Deputy’s query to the CER for direct reply. I have no function in monitoring the accuracy of electricity meters.

EU Directive 2004/ 22/EC, the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), as amended, is the European law that sets down, inter alia, the essential requirements for electricity meters prior to their placing on the market and putting into use. The Directive was transposed into Irish law by the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment via the Legal Metrology (European Conformity Assessment of Measuring Instruments) Regulations 2007. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is the Government-appointed body responsible for overseeing the requirements of these EU Directives.

I understand that the CER’s Metering Code for the Single Electricity Market (CER13/281) sets out the minimum standards for the measurement and recording of metered quantities of electricity for the purposes of electricity trading and transport in Ireland. Included in this Code is the specification of the conditions governing accuracy and calibration of electricity meters. Under this Code ESB Networks (ESBN) is responsible for matters in relation to meter approval, certification and testing. ESBN is also responsible for the installation and maintenance of all electricity meters, meter reading and ensuring the accurate recording of electricity consumption to the standards specified in the Code. The systems whereby ESBN discharges this responsibility are an operational matter for that company under the regulatory oversight of the CER. I have no function in this regard.

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