Written answers

Wednesday, 4 May 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Departmental Schemes

Photo of Imelda MunsterImelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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85. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the mechanism by which full-time residents in mobile home parks who pay for electricity calculated by individual non-ESBN meters through their mobile home park operator will receive the electricity rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21885/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters.This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget and those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.

The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number, to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible in 2022, without any additional means testing. The payment will only be applied to domestic electricity accounts, and will be made to the account rather than an individual.The type of coin operated meters the Deputy is referring to are not installed by ESBN and are not regulated by the CRU. Such meters are usually installed behind the meter, and are contractual matters between residents and the operators of such parks.

In cases where residents of mobile homes hold a tenancy agreement, disputes relating to terms of the tenancy can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for resolution. Section 78 of the Residential Tenancies Acts prescribes a non-exhaustive list of matters or complaints that can be referred for RTB 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/.

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