Longford councillor calls for standardisation of electricity standing charges

Longford County Council will write to Environment Minister, Eamonn Ryan, calling for a standardisation of electricity standing charges across providers.

At the February meeting of the local authority Councillor PauI Ross called on the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to introduce a fixed electricity standing charge for all suppliers and to allow the Energy Regulator to make the decision on electricity standing charges.

At present different suppliers have different standing charges. The highest standing charges range between €500 and €700 a year, with the lowest around €250.

Cllr Ross believes the current system sees a wide variation in standing charges and is not a fair system for consumers. He says it leads to confusion and more expense for households.

“I changed my supplier in January. I went through them by the cheapest unit price. When I went through the options I noticed that the best unit price did not give the best savings. I knew there was a standing charge, but I didn't realise there could be up to €200 of a difference between suppliers,” Cllr Ross explained.

The Fine Gael elected representative says the charge is unfair as it is a burden on customers who do their level best to keep their consumption low: “I find this a very punitive charge. Customers are paying around €1 a day across the board to providers just to get electricity. Bear in mind that all the companies are buying it in bulk. It's a hidden charge.”

Cllr Ross said the charge must be reviewed: “The Energy Regulator should set the charge. Companies are exploiting a lack of understanding of the system. It's a high charge on an essential service that is very high.”

The motion was unanimously supported by the council and the council will write to the Environment Minister.