Written answers

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Gas and Electricity Disconnections

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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96. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he has explored and discussed with relevant Ministers the impact a moratorium on utility disconnections will have on those financially vulnerable as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17042/20]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Responsibility for the regulation of the gas and electricity markets, including consumer protection, is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is the independent regulator established initially under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. Given the CRU’s responsibilities and  statutory functions in respect of consumer protection, it has proactively taken several measures to protect domestic consumers in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, including putting in place the temporary moratorium on domestic electricity and gas disconnections on 16 March.  The CRU ended the moratorium on 29 June.  To assist customers who are concerned about paying their electricity or gas bill during this time, CRU has provided a suite of useful information on its website which can be accessed at www.cru.ie/home/about-cru/energy/difficulty-paying-your-bill-covid-19.

I have no role in these matters. Noting that the CRU moratorium is a matter for independent regulation, I have not discussed with relevant Ministers the impact of the CRU’s temporary moratorium on utility disconnections on financially vulnerable customers, .

The CRU is an independent statutory body solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions, including its consumer protection functions. In this regard, the Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, to enable them raise questions on CRU matters directly with CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.

I am acutely aware of the financial challenges faced by families at this time.  Improving the energy efficiency of a home represents a significant opportunity for consumers to reduce their energy costs. Supports and funding are available via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to assist residential homeowners, including those at risk of energy poverty. Approximately €120 million has been allocated to residential and community energy efficiency schemes in 2020.

Social protection policies and income supports, including the Household Benefits Package and the fuel allowance, are matters for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.  

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