Written answers

Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Renewable Energy Generation

All Written Answers on 13 Jun 2023 « Previous answer Next answer »

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

224. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce supports towards the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic panels for those in receipt of a State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28269/23]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants for Solar PV through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Applications for the Domestic Solar PV grant scheme saw record levels in 2022, with over 10,000 applicants supported. While this level of interest indicates that the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.

SEAI are also currently finalising a scheme on behalf of my Department, for providing Solar PV to vulnerable customers registered as being dependent on electrically powered assistive devices. This €20m scheme is targeted to provide direct support to over 3,000 vulnerable customers who may have limited opportunity to reduce their demand.

As part a mid-scheme review of the MSS, my department are also undertaking an assessment of the operation and effectiveness of the existing Solar PV schemes, with a view to also providing recommendations for targeted solar PV schemes to be considered in 2024.

In addtion to Solar PV related suports, there are also supports already in place for a wider cohort of vulnerable customers. As part of its statutory role, the CRU sets out a number of rules for suppliers to follow in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers Handbooks. These include special provisions for vulnerable customers around areas such as billing and disconnections. These include:

  • Extended debt repayment periods
  • Reduced debt burden on pay-as-you-go top-ups
  • Better value for those on financial hardship meters
  • Promotion of a Vulnerable Customer Register
A vulnerable customer is defined as a household customer who is critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment. This category of vulnerable customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment at any time. Vulnerable customers are also defined as those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during the winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental health. It is important that people who are in such a situation contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Their electricity supplier will then notify ESB Networks. ESBN maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register based on the information provided to them by suppliers.

Does this answer the above question?
Yes! 2 people think so!
No! 1 person thinks not!

Comments

No comments

 

Log in or join to post a public comment.