Govt introduces protection measures ahead of ESB deregulation

The Government has introduced new measures in an effort to ensure that consumers are not adversely affected by the deregulation of the electricity supply market.

The deregulation is due to take effect from tomorrow, when suppliers other than the ESB will be able to offer electricity to domestic customers.

Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey said today that he had introduced new consumer protections to coincide with the move.

He said the measures included safeguards to protect vulnerable customers, especially elderly and disabled people, against disconnection.

Mr Dempsey also said all electricity suppliers would be obliged to draw up customer charters, while a mechanism would be put in place to resolve disputes between suppliers and customers.