Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the proposed electricity rebate will be reviewed in relation to full-time residents in mobile home parks who are not account holders but who have individual meters; if there will be a mechanism by which they will receive the much-needed rebate given that in many cases they are extremely vulnerable persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8645/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022, currently before the House, provides for a payment on a once off basis, in 2022, to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. An increase in the benefit to €200 (including VAT) was included in the suite of policy measures announced by Government on 10th February designed to further support households facing increased energy costs.

The scheme is to be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers and overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Based on the number of domestic electricity accounts, ESBN will make payments to the individual energy suppliers who will then credit each domestic electricity account held with them. The scheme will also include pre-pay customers.

The type of coin operated meters referred to by the Deputy are not installed by ESBN and are not regulated by the CRU. Such devices are usually installed behind the electricity meter, and their use for payment of electricity is a contractual matter between residents and the operators of such parks.

My Department is working closely with the Residentials Tenancies Board (RTB) on a public information campaign to ensure that tenants are aware of the scheme. Where a dispute arises between a tenant and landlord regarding the passing on of the payment, the resolution mechanisms of the RTB are available, however, tenants will be encouraged to resolve the matter with their landlord in the first instance.

I note the Deputy highlights that people in this situation may be particularly vulnerable. I would draw the Deputy’s attention to existing measures, additional to this scheme, which are designed to target support for people in need of assistance to address energy poverty and wider social protection needs, which were also increased in the Budget.