Energy regulator must explain water charges

The Dáil’s environment committee must hold an emergency meeting so the regulator responsible for setting water charges can explain his actions, TDs have urged.

With controversy raging over the rates and reduced ‘free’ water allocation allowed for children, the Commissioner for Energy Regulation, Paul McGowan, needs to be questioned before the public consultation on his decisions finishes at the end of August, Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen has insisted.

Opposition parties have accused ministers of deliberately choosing August for the process because the Dáil is on a two-month recess, and many people will be distracted by holidays

Mr Cowen, Fianna Fáil’s environment spokesperson warned the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) must be called to account.

“With the consultation period on Irish Water’s proposed charges due to expire at the end of August, I feel it is imperative the committee hears about its submission to the CER.

“We need to hear about the thought process and the reasoning behind the charges and allowances, which have so far gone unchallenged.

“It was extremely disappointing that the CER failed to appear before the committee prior to last week’s announcement of proposed water charges, despite promising twice to do so.

“If the process is to be transparent, the committee should have an opportunity to question the CER about the submission it received from Irish Water and put forward our own suggestions regarding allowances for people under boil water notices, for example,” Mr Cowen said.

The Fianna Fáil TD warned that the way the Government has handled the situation has caused resentment with the public.

“Public confidence in the CER and in Irish Water is extremely low at the moment. Government promises of the average water bill for families of €240 have been rubbished and families now face much higher average costs. The CER also needs to explain why it chose to halve the allowance for children from 38,000 litres per child per year to just 21,000,” he said.

Mr Cowen has written to the committee chairman, Labour Cork TD Michael McCarthy, urging that the body breaks off from the recess to meet before the end of the month.

Mr McCarthy said the CER would be called before the committee, but could not say when.

“When it is opportune the committee will invite the commissioner for energy regulation. I have received the correspondence from Mr Cowen and it will be considered at the committee’s next meeting,” Mr McCarthy said.