Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
169. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the CRU analysis of the characteristics of domestic electricity and gas arrears and when said analysis will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14066/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation. However, officials from my Department correspond with CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets.
The CRU regularly provides market monitoring data to my Department, including data on estimated annual bills for households; the number of households in payment arrears on their electricity and gas bills; the number of disconnections; and the number of customers switching energy supplier.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which suppliers provide monthly data which feeds into CRU's published reports and policy. The review of the framework aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in more distress and in need of support with their debt. This work is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the CRU in relation to the matters raised. The CRU provides a dedicated email address, oireachtas@cru.ie, for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters.
