Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the consultation process has been completed on the creation of a tariff that would allow micro generation facilities in homes and businesses to sell power back onto the grid; when a conclusion to this matter will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43704/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) support scheme operated by my Department supports the construction of new renewable energy powered plants with sufficient generating capacity, typically at or a multiple of 1 megawatt, to attract market interest from electricity suppliers interested in purchasing the power in commercial quantities. Micro-scale plants, on the other hand, are typically of a much smaller size requiring different solutions.

My Department is working closely with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and other stakeholders to put in place in the short term an appropriately structured payment system for micro-generated electricity exported to the grid, which will operate separately from the REFIT mechanism.

In addition, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is implementing a Micro-generation Pilot Programme, which will conduct research and field trials, including support for between 50 and 60 installations on a pilot basis of micro-scale projects. The field trials will address a range of issues including grid connection and technical standards to ensure the power security, safety and quality of installations. CER/ESB Networks have amended the rules associated with connecting micro-scale plants whereby generators of less than 6kW on single phase cables and 11kW on three phase electricity supply cables can now connect to the grid without prior authorisation.

SEI will also shortly publish a guide to connecting renewable and CHP electricity production plants to the electricity network including advice for micro-generators, which will be of assistance to those connecting micro scale plant to the network following the changes announced by CER/ESB.