Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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113. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the topics that are being examined by the consumers, vulnerable households’ and businesses’ subgroups of the Energy Security Emergency Group; the latest proposals they have submitted to the Energy Security Emergency Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44946/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In order to coordinate a response to the impact of the war in Ukraine on the energy system in Ireland, my Department established the Energy Security Emergency Group which includes a number of subgroups. A key role of the Energy Security Emergency Group is the implementation of the National Energy Security Framework which was published by Government in April. The National Energy Security Framework sets out the national response to the impacts of the war in Ukraine on the energy system in Ireland and broadly sets out the work programme for the subgroups. The Consumer and Vulnerable Households, and Business subgroups have examined the challenges facing domestic and business consumers. They have also considered a range of potential policy options and measures that could mitigate the impact on consumers. This work will inform the development of a comprehensive package of measures to support consumers and businesses as part of Budget 2023.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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114. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ensure security of energy supply to vulnerable patients including those on oxygen and dialysis given the warnings regarding power outages and shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44952/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid. The CRU supported by Eirgrid and my Department currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the tight margins during winter 2022/2023. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website. Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.

ESB Networks who own and operate the electricity grid have a vulnerable customers policy in place, which is available on their website. Vulnerable customers include those who need vital electrical medical equipment on a daily basis. In accordance with the policy, ESB Networks maintain a Vulnerable Customer Register based on information from all electricity suppliers to ensure they can endeavour to contact after these customers if a power outage occurs in their area.

In addition, the Supplier Code of Practice on Disconnections provides that “a supplier may not cut off any vulnerable customer who is registered as a Priority Services Customer”. Elderly vulnerable customers who have difficulties with payment of bills may not be cut off during the winter months (November to March).