Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

The public are becoming increasingly interested in this issue, as we have seen from inquiries about greener homes and the possibilities of micro-generation. In advising constituents on the Minister's leaflets, we often find that major problems arise in trying to transport woodchips for boilers, particularly in urban areas. I have received calls from constituents which suggest the system is not feasible. Much work needs to be done on energy efficiency and small-scale generation. According to his consultation document, the regulator, Mr. Reeves, appears to be waiting for smart meters. He seems to be saying that because households and businesses do not have smart metering, we cannot have a situation where people are paid for spills.

Nonetheless, it will be an exciting development if households and businesses are paid for electricity they produce and which spills into the system. In parts of the United Kingdom, Europe and America, a wonderful situation is envisaged whereby electricity meters will fly backwards. That would be a wonderful prospect for people, rather than having meters that relentlessly speed up whenever one turns on a switch or misses efficiency measures, such as switching off machines at night.

I support Deputy Eamon Ryan in this area, which is exciting. The public and the business sector are ahead of us in this regard, so we should go with them. Three years ago, I received a bitter complaint from a small business man in Westmeath when he asked why we were waiting for net metering. Here we are three and a half years later and, as with so many other things, it looks like we will have to wait for the new Administration to do it.

See this speech in context