Written answers
Tuesday, 8 March 2022
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Energy Prices
Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if service providers can be mandated to put the €200 against forthcoming direct debits and not withheld from a customer’s benefit in the short-term in relation to the electricity credit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/22]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The President signed the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill into law on 4 March, which paves the way for a payment of €176.22 (€200 inclusive of VAT) to be credited to all domestic electricity accounts. This is almost a doubling of what was originally envisaged, in recognition of pressures on households due to increases in the cost of living. The credit will appear on electricity bills as they are issued in April and May.The credit will be applied automatically and there is no need to apply for it.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has oversight of the Scheme. As assigned under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation the CRU is also responsible for the regulation of the retail gas and electricity markets and has functions regarding consumer protection. CRU encourages those struggling to pay their bills to engage with they supplier. Furthermore, under the voluntary supplier Energy Engage Code suppliers will not disconnect any customer that is engaging with them.
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