Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the arrangements for persons who operate wind farms on their property; his plans to break the ESB's monopoly over same; and if he plans to allow for net metering in the future and to give independence and autonomy to persons who operate such farms. [16327/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The licensing and authorising of wind energy projects are matters for the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no statutory function in these matters.

Earlier this year Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) launched a study entitled "Metering Options for Small-Scale Renewable and CHP Electricity Generation in Ireland". The report identifies that more than 80% of the electricity meters installed in Ireland are backstopped. The meters cannot therefore operate in reverse, an essential requirement for net metering. SEI plans to commission work on the technical issues for connecting commercial renewable and CHP small-scale electricity generation this year. The various options, including net metering, will be revisited once that report is to hand.