Sir, – I recently received my two-monthly bill from Electric Ireland relating to my holiday home which I use infrequently. Needless to say my electricity usage is minimal, approximately €10-€18 on each bill. However the final total is often in excess of €60, of which the single greatest charge is for a “low usage” amounting to 60 per cent of the bill. I enquired from its customer care service as to how to make further savings. To my amazement I was told to use more electricity by leaving a light bulb on continuously for a month or two as this would boost my unit usage to over 120 units, giving me a saving of €20!
Electric Ireland states that there are very few properties, almost certainly vacant, that would incur this charge. However, it is estimated that there are approximately 100,000 homes including holiday retreats (many of which are still used despite recessionary times) which surely must be incurring this charge.
We live on a planet where it now seems more than probable that mankind is responsible for global warming, yet Electric Ireland is encouraging a greater carbon footprint. Surely such comments fly in the face of all that is being done to avoid a greater impact on our fragile environment? – Yours, etc,
Dr DENIS EUSTACE,
Hampstead,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.