Rural electricity connection subsidies
The Minister outlined existing subsidies for isolated-area connections. Blaney said high connection costs and long delays were leaving some residents without power; the Minister offered to investigate individual cases.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if the Government have any proposals to subsidise the installation of ESB power to applicants who live in isolated areas; and the grants or subsidies which are available to these people at the moment.
Comment on this
The subsidies for the installation of electricity in isolated areas have already been improved on two occasions this year. The terms which are available at the moment are as follows:
(a) Rural applicants eligible for connection under the terms of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1976—Total cost of connection is borne by the ESB, who have been paid £300,000 by the State.
(b) Rural applicants not eligible for connection under the terms of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1976—
(i) where cost of supply does not exceed £850 the applicant pays the full capital cost less £115 which is the part of the cost borne by the ESB.
(ii) where cost of supply exceeds £850 each applicant pays £735 plus 50 per cent of the cost in excess of £850; the part of the cost borne by the ESB is thus £115 plus 50 per cent of the cost in excess of £850.
These terms apply to single houses only and the applicant must be the occupier of the house.
It is the Government's intention that electricity supply will be provided as soon as possible to all qualifying householders on these terms.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that these measures are not working out as the Government desire? Is the Minister aware that a connection over a relatively short distance between existing buildings and new houses can cost as much as £1,700 or £2,000? The Minister is aware that demountable dwellings are being used by local authorities to house single aged people and some of these people have been waiting for electricity connection for three or four years. The occupants have no hope whatever of contributing to installation costs.