Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that there is a system to refund the prepay power metered households allowing them to avail of the proposed €100 refund of electricity costs incurred and is proposed for bill pay customers; the mechanism that has been put in place to ensure that all households will benefit from this refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62973/21]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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110. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if those in rented accommodation that are on a pre-pay power plan are also entitled to the €100 off their electric bill in relation to the scheme allowing households to receive €100 off their first electricity bill of 2022. [63057/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 110 and 154 together.A scheme to credit all domestic electricity account holders with up to €100 in 2022 was approved by Cabinet on 14 December 2021. This payment is one of a suite of measures to mitigate the effects of the recent rises in electricity prices, which includes significant support through the social protection system.

Approximately 2.1 million domestic electricity account holders will benefit from the scheme for a one-off, exceptional payment to their electricity accounts. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go customers.

The scheme will become operational following the passing of underpinning legislation through the Oireachtas. A draft of the primary legislation required is currently being finalised with the Office of the Attorney General. Cabinet approval for the draft Bill will be sought shortly with a view to its introduction in the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter to allow for the establishment of the scheme in Q1 of this year.

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) because of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESB Networks will make payments to energy suppliers, who in turn will credit all their domestic electricity account holders with €100.

Full details on the precise mechanism for payment are being finalised as part of these processes and will be announced later in Q1. The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.