Fine Gael Dublin South East Senator, Catherine Noone, has hit out at the minimum standing charge being imposed by Electric Ireland, describing it as a grossly unfair attack on the poor.

Senator Noone added that it is ludicrous that people are being charged more, for not using enough electricity.

"I was shocked to learn of Electric Ireland's new 'low user standing charge', which is targeting customers who use a low level of electricity. Those who use an average of 2 units per day now face a €9.45 charge on their bill. About 100,000 people have already been affected.

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"This latest development comes on the back of a decision by Electric Ireland to refuse discounted rates to anyone who is in arrears, or who doesn’t pay by direct debit. The company seems to be taking an unfair and aggressive approach to those who are struggling to pay. These two strategies can only be viewed as unsympathetic, at best.

"The company claims that the standing charge is due to the cost of maintaining the electricity network, and that it is primarily aimed at vacant dwellings and holiday homes, where usage is very low. However, it would be much fairer to have a flexible billing period for low-usage customers, so a bill would only be generated when they reach a minimum threshold. This would in turn allow the company to save money by issuing fewer bills."

(CD/GK)