Electricity Grid

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023

Tuesday, 11 July 2023

Questions (139)

David Stanton

Question:

139. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the need to support family farm partnerships and small sole traders whose domestic residence has the same meter reference point reference number (MPRN) as the farm enterprise or small business, and where the family home is part of the farm or business, by allowing them to continue to remain on household rates for electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34331/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. It is a function of the CRU to regulate the electricity market, including the matter referred to in this Parliamentary Question. Therefore the Minister has no statutory function in this matter. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities sets the policy for connection to the electricity network in Ireland. CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at [e-mail]