Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the ESB will be suspending in-home visits that are not urgent for the duration of level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2118/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Upon the introduction of the Level 5 restrictions, ESB Networks stopped the majority of work which requires them to enter people's homes. However, there are still limited scenarios in which ESB Networks staff may have to enter a home. These situations could include a safety issue, a no supply issue, an electricity reconnection, or in situations where the customer has requested their assistance. This will only be done if it is absolutely necessary and with the permission of the householders.

In order to keep both customers and employees safe, ESB staff will adhere to the Company's Covid procedures and will wear PPE and use sanitising wipes to clean any surface that they work on, before and after carrying out their work in a home.

The National Smart Meter Replacement Programme and all domestic customer meter reading have been paused for January 2021.