John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has honoured his pre-general election 2007 manifesto by instructing the ESB to provide its customers with reversible meters if they wish to install wind energy generators at their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15110/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have recently announced an electricity microgeneration programme whereby grant support to meet 50% of the initial start up costs will be made available for the installation of microgeneration systems in approximately 50 trials to be conducted nationwide. This programme is being administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and will focus on commercial/organisational on-site generation in its initial phases. It will subsequently concentrate on generation by individual householders. The micro generation programme is set in the overall context of the national smart meter programme. The roll out of smart meters, as committed to in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government, is a central component of our strategy to improve management of demand for electricity and to achieve greater energy efficiency through use of the latest technology.

The delivery of smart metering requires a collective response. That is why I have made it a priority for my Department to participate fully in the Steering Group overseeing the roll out. The group is chaired by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and consists of SEI, ESB Networks, ESB Customer Supply and independent suppliers. There are also four working groups examining the complex technical aspects of smart metering including, Tariffs, Billing/Data Services, Networks and Customer Behaviour. It remains the position that the smart meter programme will be financed under the ESB Networks Investment Programme. With installation of meters set to begin this summer, the ultimate objective is to complete the national roll out in five years. The recognised potential of smart metering in terms of increased energy efficiency, reduced costs, reduced harmful emissions, facilitation of micro and distributed generation and improved customer service, will deliver tangible benefits to all consumers of electricity.