Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 4 October 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Energy Prices: Discussion

Mr. Joe Duignan:

I can come in on that. The first thing is to look again at the different categories. The microgeneration scheme, which is that used for rooftop solar, is a free process. It is called "inform and fit". The customer just lets us know and can then proceed. There is no work on our side. With regard to the mini-generation pilot scheme we launched, there was a lot of upfront engagement with the industry as to the standard of the application form and going back and forth in getting to know it. There were a lot of lessons learned from that pilot. We would not see the turnaround times to date as representing business as usual. We have also changed our model as to how we carry out the studies. Rather than doing it centrally, we have spread it around the country and look at them locally. We have changed our structures and streamlined our process as well. We are looking at a very fast process with regard to carrying out the study and letting the customer know. We have also built in mechanisms for the customers' benefit. For example, they can choose to tick a box and do a maximum export capacity, MEC, reduction. This means that, if their project is going to drive an upgrade, they can tick a box and get fewer megawatts on and not drive that reinforcement. That brings them on more quickly. Of course, they can still get the bigger connection if they wish to. We are now working on a report and engaging with the regulator on the lessons learned thus far.

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