Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a few brief questions for Mr. Somers. On microgeneration, we have seen recently the ESB has put huge increases in the charges for electricity, yet the tariff is only 10 cent per kWh.

Who sets the tariff? How is it set? Is there any chance the tariff could be increased? In view of the costs suppliers are charging, I think it should be. There is also some concern regarding people who are putting in solar panels and a battery pack. Some people are told that they do not need a battery if they have a smart meter. Others are being told they need the battery to be able to manage things better. There is a bit of ambiguity in that regard.

Will the Department clarify whether applications to export electricity are made through the SEAI or some other body? Is there a separate application? Do people have to do it themselves or do the people who put in the solar panels do it on their behalf?

Deep retrofits do not suit everybody. There are very few people who have the funds to go to the level of a deep retrofit. People know their own houses better than anyone else, including the person who comes out to do the BER certificate. They know where the drafts and so on are. There should be an option to retrofit on a piecemeal basis and to install solar panels, roof insulation and wall insulation in stages with grants paid at the same level as that paid in respect of a deep retrofit. In that way, people could reach the same standard as they would reach through a deep retrofit over a number of years but would be able to manage their own financial resources over that period of time.