Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
43. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the concerns regarding pass-through costs on commercial energy bills (details supplied); if he is satisfied that all regulations are being adhered to; if he has engaged with the CRU to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53699/25]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation and has statutory responsibility for the compliance by energy suppliers with their consumer protection obligations. The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister.
Under the Programme for Government 2025, we have committed to commissioning an independent review into the speed and level of pass through from wholesale prices to retail prices, with an additional assessment of the overall price dynamics and an overall focus on the competitiveness of the Irish economy. This is a priority and my Department has established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The core objectives of the Taskforce include drafting an Interim Report identifying measures to support energy consumers as past of Budget 2026, and an Energy Affordability Action plan, which will examine measures and structural reforms to lower costs for households and businesses. The NEAT Interim Report is currently being finalised.
