Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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177. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the ESB announcement that a 50% price hike in its rates for electric vehicle charging that will come into effect on 20 December 2022 for EV drivers who charge on the public network (details supplied); if he and or his officials were consulted on the price rise by ESB for EV charging rates; and if the Commission for Regulation of Utilities was consulted and or engaged with the ESB in respect of same. [61740/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March.

The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.

Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.

On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. I announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and updates on the residential charging grant is available atwww.gov.ie/zevi.

ESB eCars have informed my department that unfortunately, sustained higher wholesale energy costs throughout Europe means that they continue to experience a very substantial increase in the cost of wholesale electricity, which must be passed onto their customers. ESB eCars have endeavoured to keep their prices under constant review in the coming months.

It should be noted that more charge point operators are coming onto the market in Ireland and each operator sets its own competitive prices. My department has no role in setting fees for charging on the public network.

I can confirm that ESB notified my department on 18 November of the impending price increase.

I have no function in the pricing of electricity, which falls within the remit of he Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as Ireland's independent energy and water regulator.I have asked CRU to contact the Deputy directly over this matter.