Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has promised that the Government will “keep the lights on” during the upcoming winter energy crisis.
But he has admitted there will be dearer bills, as he agrees with premium pricing during the energy ‘rush hours’ between 5pm and 7pm to discourage people using power at these times.
Asked about a windfall tax on the huge profits energy companies earn, he said the coalition would “consider” the possibility.
Read More: Blackouts, price hikes and recession - what winter in Ireland might look like this year
He said that these could provide the extra funds to subsidise energy costs for households and any such tax “will have to be set out in the Budget.”
Mr Ryan said: “The real challenge this coming winter is going to be on the price side and that, for the household, is particularly important and for businesses.”
He claimed the Government has done more than any other EU nation to try and protect householders from energy insecurity, but added: “We’re going to have to do a lot more.”
He said the Government needs to “make sure we have the funding and finance available to get through what is an unprecedented time in terms of the price shock.
“As well as keep the lights on, we have to make sure people can afford the power coming through.”
He added: “We will be able to keep the lights on.”
However, the opposition have slammed the minister, with Social Democrats climate action spokeswoman, Jennifer Whitmore, saying that Mr Ryan “has no plan.”
Ms Whitmore is not confident the Government is prepared.
She said: “I think it’s clear that the minister still doesn’t have a plan when it comes to dealing with the problems that we’re facing this winter.”
Ms Whitmore added: “When it comes to the issue of supply, it is clear that we are facing into a very difficult winter, the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) have said already that there’s the potential for blackouts and brownouts.
“And what we’re not hearing from the minister is a clear plan for how he’s going to address it.”
Sinn Féin social protection spokeswoman, Claire Kerrane, claimed the Government has “no interest” in solving the looming energy poverty crisis.
The Roscommon TD was speaking after the publication of an ESRI report which revealed that up to 70 per cent of people could be facing fuel poverty this winter.
Ms Kerrane said: “The projections published today should be a wake-up call for the Government.
“They must get serious about addressing energy poverty in the State.
“An updated Energy Poverty Strategy with clear commitments and fully resourced needs to be published urgently.”
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