Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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83. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he and his Department have made any progress with respect to supporting full-time residents in mobile homes by providing much-needed vital access to the €200 electricity payments, given that the payment is intended to be issued to all principal residences; if he will issue a statement of intent to support this vulnerable cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9535/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Government is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices has had on households and has prioritised action across Government to support people to stay warm and well through this winter. This is why a €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented during 2022, and a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. The Budget package included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT). The first two payments have already been made to accounts and the third will be credited by suppliers to accounts from 1 March. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.

The payments apply to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application/approval process.

Despite this advantage, the scheme does have limitations. While one credit is applied per domestic MPRN, there are cohorts such as households on commercial connections, that did not receive the payment. Officials from my Department are examining this matter to determine if a solution can be developed.

Any customer that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, including customers on a Pay As You Go meter who have a need for financial assistance to facilitate their continued energy supply. Every effort will be made to ensure that these vulnerable individuals in financial distress, and who qualify, receive an Additional Needs Payment on the same day or as soon as possible where it relates to electricity and heating expenses.

On 13 December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023, including people on PAYG meters. Officials from my Department are working with colleagues from other relevant Departments to get this fund up and running. The fund will provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from suppliers and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.