Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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183. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will introduce financial supports for residents reliant on district energy systems in the form of one-off energy credits or a direct subsidy covering the difference between the average domestic rate and the commercial rate of gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61803/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The heating schemes in question are group heating schemes which are apartment blocks or housing developments that are supplied with heat rather than fuel and, in such cases, it is the heat supplier that is the purchaser of the fuel used. Therefore, where gas is being used, a commercial tariff is applied due to scale of purchase.  

While commercial rates have generally been lower than domestic gas rates, recent increases in energy prices have led to a sharp increase in commercial gas rates in particular. However, commercial gas prices respond more quickly to the market than domestic prices.

Longer term the issues facing these households will be found in the development of a consumer protection regulatory framework and in the transition to renewable sources of energy to heat buildings, and steps are being taken by my Department to ensure that the framework is put in place and the transition continues.

To help alleviate the impact of the rising cost of living, the Government has already put in place a series of measures, with funding of €2.4 billion available. A further package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion was announced in Budget 2023, including the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme II. While not all consumers use gas, electricity is supplied to all households, therefore, the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit payment is being applied to domestic electricity accounts as a universal support to all households.In addition to supports for energy costs such as the Household Benefits Package and the Fuel Allowance, people can apply to the Community Welfare Service (CWS) for assistance with essential costs that they cannot reasonably be expected to meet from their income.