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01/11/2011
Minister Calls For Greater Discount On Electricity Allowance
The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD has reassured those who receive the Electricity or Gas Allowance from the Department of Social Protection that the increased cost of these allowances resulting from energy price increases which came into effect on 1st October will be covered in full by her Department.
Minister Burton said: “The Electricity and Gas Allowances cover 1,800 units of electricity or an equivalent amount of gas for each person getting one of these allowances through the Household Benefits package. My Department will cover the cost of the price increases which came into effect from 1st October and maintain the value of these allowances at 1,800 units. In other words, the price increases will not have an impact on the Department of Social Protection customers who benefit from this support.”
Some 396,000 pensioners and other households qualify for Electricity and Gas Allowances which help towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year. The total cost of these allowances in 2011 is estimated to be €207 million, including the price increases which will cost over €4 million in 2011. The additional annual cost of the price increases is €17.3 million.
The Minister also noted that 82,000 customers on the allowance arrangement underuse their allocation of 1,800 units.
(BMcN)
Minister Burton said: “The Electricity and Gas Allowances cover 1,800 units of electricity or an equivalent amount of gas for each person getting one of these allowances through the Household Benefits package. My Department will cover the cost of the price increases which came into effect from 1st October and maintain the value of these allowances at 1,800 units. In other words, the price increases will not have an impact on the Department of Social Protection customers who benefit from this support.”
Some 396,000 pensioners and other households qualify for Electricity and Gas Allowances which help towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year. The total cost of these allowances in 2011 is estimated to be €207 million, including the price increases which will cost over €4 million in 2011. The additional annual cost of the price increases is €17.3 million.
The Minister also noted that 82,000 customers on the allowance arrangement underuse their allocation of 1,800 units.
(BMcN)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
