Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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40. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide clarity on the Government’s approach to national energy policy and security of supply over the winter period; the steps that he will take to alleviate the impact of huge energy price increases on homes, farms and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46725/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission of Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply, currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The programme, which was published in September 2021, contains a number of both demand-side and supply-side mitigation measures to address any potential shortfall. 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 this winter and lower peak demand during this period.

The Government is acutely aware of the impact on customers of high electricity and gas prices and has already implemented a €2.4 billion package of policies and measures to support energy customers. These supports included an Electricity Costs credit which was applied to over 2.1 million domestic electricity accounts, a reduction in VAT on electricity and gas bills from 13.5% to 9% and increases to the Fuel Allowance. However, the Government recognises that more needs to be done as prices continue to increase and additional measures to support households and businesses are being examined in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

The best long-term approach for Ireland to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and expand interconnection with European and neighbouring markets.