January 7, 2021
Covid-19 Supply Suspension Scheme needed for businesses – Darren O’Rourke TD, Louise O’Reilly TD

Sinn Féin’s Darren O’Rourke TD and Louise O’Reilly TD today called on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to re-introduce a Supply Suspension Scheme for businesses who are temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

Teachta O’Rourke said such a scheme was introduced last year in response to the pandemic and given the dire situation SMEs find themselves in now, its reintroduction is urgently needed.

Speaking today, Darren O’Rourke TD, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for the Environment said:

“Last year the Commission for Regulation of Utilities introduced a scheme that allowed businesses who were temporarily closed by the pandemic, to suspend their fixed energy charges and estimate their supply point at zero, while they were closed.

“This meant businesses who were forced to close their doors were not hit with energy and network changes when they were not operating.

“As most of the economy goes into hibernation once again, it’s vital this protection is re-introduced to assist SMEs.

“This scheme was available to 199,000 SME electricity customers and 27,000 SME gas customers in 2020 and if formed an important protection for many.

“It also helped avoid unnecessary and expensive disconnection and reconnection of utilities.

“It’s vital the CRU re-introduce this scheme without delay.

Louise O’Reilly TD, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Enterprise continued:

“The new lockdown has been driven by the immediate need to protect public health, and that must always be the priority.

“Nevertheless, these restrictions will place a heavy burden on businesses who face into a third lockdown in less than a year.

“Businesses are facing a huge uphill battle in 2021, and the last thing they need is to be hit with standing charges or penalties for electricity and gas when they are closed.

“A Supply Suspension Scheme can help keep bills to a minimum when SMEs are not operating and mitigate the risk of debts piling up on struggling businesses.

“We are calling on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to re-introduce this vital protection without delay.”

Share On Facebook
Share On Twitter
Share On Whatsapp
Share Via Email
Copy URL

Follow us online

Latest Tweets
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
4h

Stardust families deserve an apology from government – Senator Lynn Boylan

“The survivors and families have been clear that they want a state apology from the Taoiseach. It is imperative that this apology happens”

@LNBDublin

https://vote.sinnfein.ie/stardust-families-deserve-an-apology-from-government-senator-lynn-boylan/

Reply on Twitter 1781035375546323411 Retweet on Twitter 1781035375546323411 31 Like on Twitter 1781035375546323411 62 Twitter 1781035375546323411
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
5h

Justice finally arrived today with the verdict of unlawful killing, confirming what survivors, victims' families, and Dubliners have long known about the tragic Stardust fire.

The 48 young souls lost on Valentine's Day morning in 1981 will always be remembered. @LNBDublin

Reply on Twitter 1781018873132654603 Retweet on Twitter 1781018873132654603 35 Like on Twitter 1781018873132654603 105 Twitter 1781018873132654603
Retweet on Twitter Sinn Féin Retweeted
moneillsf Michelle O’Neill @moneillsf ·
5h

Workers, families and public services deserve to be supported and properly funded, and today I made that case directly to the British Government Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris.

I have also requested an urgent meeting with the British Prime Minister.

All parties in the…

Reply on Twitter 1781016598276452695 Retweet on Twitter 1781016598276452695 41 Like on Twitter 1781016598276452695 136 Twitter 1781016598276452695
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
6h

Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme must be changed to provide upfront grant payments to homeowners - @PearseDoherty

"Sinn Féin will not stop until homeowners have certainty that they will be able to rebuild their homes and lives."

Reply on Twitter 1781015652582478333 Retweet on Twitter 1781015652582478333 1 Like on Twitter 1781015652582478333 8 Twitter 1781015652582478333
Load More