Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if qualification for the energy credit requires the possession of a meter point reference number. [11901/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The aim of the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 is to establish a scheme to make a once off payment, in 2022, to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices.

The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers and overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments are credited to each domestic electricity account as early as possible in 2022. The payment will be applied to the domestic electricity account rather than an individual. The scheme will also include pre-pay customers. People will not need to apply for the payment. With the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, my Department is working closely with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on a public information campaign to ensure that all tenants are aware of the scheme. Disputes relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution. 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/.