Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
209. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the National Energy Affordability Taskforce has completed modelling on projected long-term electricity and gas arrears over the next year and over the next five years; if the modelling will be published; and the way in which this modelling will inform Government policy. [72381/25]
View answerThe National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established in June 2025 to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the taskforce was published last month. This report analysed recent trends in energy costs and related matters, including arrears, and set out a range of options for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), as a member of the taskforce, fed into the report and also presented data at a taskforce meeting in relation to prices, arrears and details of CRU customer protection measures. Minutes of the taskforce meetings are available at: www.gov.ie
The CRU and officials from my Department monitor arrears levels on an ongoing basis, as a key indicator in their tracking of retail energy markets. There are many variables, including those related to energy costs and the general health of the economy, which directly influence arrears levels and would make long-term arrears level forecasting particularly challenging.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which this data is collected and reported upon. The review aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in energy distress and in need of support with their debt. This analysis will inform the work of the taskforce going forward, which will include the development of targeted measures to assist households most vulnerable to energy cost pressures.
