Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
129. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions he has taken to engage with energy supply companies in relation to the high charges they put on customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71468/25]
View answer139. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the details of the hardship funds offered by energy retailers this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71560/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 139 together.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. In this regard, I can confirm that I have met with both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, and energy supply companies since being appointed as Minister.
On 26 September 2025, I met with the four largest energy suppliers in Ireland: Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Energia. In addition to these meetings, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis and a key message to them is the critical importance of prices being reduced as soon as possible.
Following my engagement with the energy suppliers, I have received confirmation that hardship funds for those struggling to meet their energy costs will be made available to households this winter. The hardship funds operate in different ways from supplier to supplier. I would, therefore, encourage customers that are experiencing difficulties paying their bills to engage with their suppliers. I would also highlight that customers engaging with their supplier will not be disconnected.
The CRU has also published enhanced customer protection measures for Winter 2025/2026. For the upcoming Winter period, some of the key customer protection measures that will remain in place include a disconnection moratorium for reasons of non-payment, minimum timelines for debt repayment plans, discounted tariffs for financial hardship meter customers, and promotion by energy suppliers of the vulnerable customer register. This is in addition to the existing sources of support, such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Additional Needs Payment Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection.
In June of this year, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. The taskforce completed its first report, which included measures for consideration to support customers this Winter, to inform Budget 2026 discussions. The taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan, including a programme of public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The action plan will be published in 2026.
