Written answers

Wednesday, 9 February 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Energy Prices

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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42. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the €100 energy payment support will be made available to all households including those who have been cut off by their provider in circumstances in which they have not been able to pay bills and need to reinstate their accounts; the way that this support can be accessed in these circumstances; if there is an expiration date attached to using the funds on utility costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6910/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Approximately 2.1 million domestic electricity account will benefit from the scheme for an exceptional payment to electricity accounts that will become operational following the passage of the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 currently before the Oireachtas. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go. The €100 credit will be provided by suppliers by way of crediting all domestic electricity accounts. The credit can be used to contribute towards any outstanding fees in the account, including reconnection where disconnection (de-energisation) has taken place. Regulations under Section 8(2)(d) of the Bill provide for the period within which such funding is to be transferred to accounts by suppliers, after which, the funding, where not credited to accounts, will be returned to the Distribution System Operator (DSO ) and ultimately the Exchequer.

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme. CRU, through their existing enforcement functions will be able to direct ESBN and suppliers to comply with their functions under the Bill. 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 electricity suppliers, who in turn will credit all the domestic electricity accounts held with them with €100.

More generally, CRU have responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas retail markets as set out under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. CRU has in place a suite of protections against disconnection that are set out in the Supplier Handbook. In brief, priority customers cannot be disconnected, while vulnerable customers are protected over winter months from 1 November to 31 March each year while a CRU moratoria on disconnections for all customers comes into effect over the Christmas period. Additionally, under the supplier led voluntary Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect a customer who is engaging with them at any time. Accordingly any customers who are experiencing difficulties with their Bills should engage with their supplier to discuss the various options and assistance available.

The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.

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