Harris has energy affordability plan – Families need action.
Harris has energy affordability plan - Families need action. - The Labour Party
- Publish the Energy Affordability Action Plan before the Budget
Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash TD has called on Government to publish its Energy Affordability Action Plan before October’s Budget, tax windfall profits made by power companies and provide targeted energy credits to households struggling with bills.
Following today’s Dáil exchange, Deputy Nash said Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged that Government had the plan but gave no date for its publication.
Deputy Nash said:
“Families are struggling to pay for groceries, rent and energy. Electricity and gas prices are rising by at least 10%, while higher oil prices are pushing up the cost of transport, food and building homes. People need to know what help is coming before the Budget.
“This Government has offered piecemeal measures on home heating oil, motor fuel excise and the fuel allowance. They fall short of a comprehensive plan for households facing higher bills. There is still no commitment to extend the fuel allowance by four weeks next year.
“The Tánaiste’s response in the Dáil today was inadequate. He has the Energy Affordability Action Plan but would not say when he will publish it or act on it.
“The taskforce was set up to find practical ways to help families and businesses with energy costs. Its recommendations could make a real difference. Why is this Government keeping them from the public? Why are they hiding the plan?
“Six EU member states have raised the need to tax windfall profits made by power companies. We know there is a proposal with the European Commission. A windfall tax could fund targeted energy credits and help households make their homes warmer and cheaper to run through retrofitting.
“Labour is calling for the immediate publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan, a windfall tax on power companies and targeted energy credits for households under the greatest pressure. Government must act now.”