Written answers
Thursday, 19 May 2022
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Energy Prices
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has reviewed the treatment of full-time residents in mobile homes who have been unable to access the €200 electricity rebate payment, without consideration for the income and vulnerability of much of this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25419/22]
Eamon 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. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April and May, and includes prepay meters.This Scheme is in addition to the Government’s longstanding measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.
As previously advised, where residents of mobile homes hold domestic electricity accounts with a supplier of their choice, they will receive the credit, and do not need to apply for it. In cases where residents of mobile homes hold a tenancy agreement, parties are encouraged to refer tenancy disputes to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for resolution. The RTB encourages parties to work with its mediation service.
Where other arrangements apply, such as a contractual arrangement with an operator of a mobile home park, this is a contractual matter between residents and the operators of these parks.
This credit 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.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Frequently Asked Questions, which include information on additional measures to support people in need of assistance to meet energy costs, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
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