Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has assessed whether the current Energy Engage Code provides sufficient protection to households in chronic arrears; and if any reforms are under consideration as part of the forthcoming Energy Affordability Action Plan. [71059/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and commits to bringing forward measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty. Government has introduced a suite of measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy. In Budget 2026, Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity until 31 December 2030, saving households up to €100 per year. From January 2026, the Fuel Allowance payment will increase by €5 to €38 per week equating to an increase of more than 15%.
In relation to the Energy Engage Code, it is important to note that this is an industry-led code which suppliers can voluntarily adopt. Under this code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection. In addition, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has put in place a range of other regulatory protections to support consumers over the Winter period.
My Department has also established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce 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 work programme of the taskforce will examine how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty. The first report of the taskforce set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
