Electric Ireland pressure on Christmas lights

Representatives of Electric Ireland asked a member of KCA to use his personal credit card to pay the outstanding electricity bill for Kilcullen's Christmas lights, writes Brian Byrne.

Ray Kelly told the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action that he had received phone calls from the power company on St Stephen's Day and on New Year's Eve seeking payment of the outstanding balance of €1,314, and was asked if he'd use his own credit card to pay the bill.

This was despite the fact that he had previously been told a note would be put on the account to the effect that substantial payments had been made on the account by KCA during 2012.

Ray said he had been trying to negotiate with Electric Ireland on KCA's behalf over the standing charges and disconnection/reconnection fees, on the basis that KCA was a community and non-profit customer. These charges are a substantial part of the bill. But he had so far been dealing with three different people, and there seemed to be no communication between them.

After a discussion on the good ongoing support from the community through direct donations and the collection boxes in a number of retail outlets it was concluded that the outstanding balance could be paid off in instalments before next year's lights programme.

In the meantime, KCA is hoping that a deal can be negotiated with the electricity provider on the extra costs which make it very expensive to provide the annual Christmas lights.