PSO stands for Public Service Obligation. The PSO levy is designed to support the national policy objectives of security of energy supply, the use of indigenous fuels (e.g. peat) and of the use renewable energy sources in electricity generation. Specifically, the proceeds of the levy are used to recoup the additional costs incurred by the ESB and other suppliers in having to source a proportion of their electricity supplies from such generators.
The policy and terms associated with PSO levy supported plant are mandated by Government and approved by the European Commission.
The Commission for Energy Regulation does not set the policy and terms associated with PSO levy supported plant and, as such, has no real control over the level of the PSO levy that arises from the policy and terms associated with PSO levy supported plant. The levy is calculated by the Commission for Energy Regulation in accordance with the relevant legislation and particular terms of the various PSO schemes.
The PSO levy is increasing from 1 October 2012; it will increase to €2.32 per month (€2.63 inc VAT). It is charged per month end within the period covered by your electricity bill.
The current PSO levy rates are applicable from 1st October 2012 to 30th September 2013.