Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

254. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has given consideration to exempting persons in receipt of the household benefits package, fuel allowance and-or living alone allowance from having to pay PSO charges on their electricity bills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52585/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy is a charge on all electricity customers without exception, and is determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The legal basis for the PSO and its method of calculation by the CRU are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (S.I. 217 of 2002).

Any exemption would have to be considered by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment as my Department has no policy remit in the setting of the PSO levy or exemptions from it.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.