Written answers

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electricity Generation

12:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 440: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of smart metering and/or micro generation; the number of householders who have so far signed up and have been approved or pending; the extent of surplus generation provided to the grid; the amount paid for the electricity to the generator; the extent to which this corresponds per unit to the price charged to the householder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35873/09]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The roll out of the national Smart Metering Programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the 2007 Programme for Government. The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand and to deliver greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. This is a highly complex technology project.

The pilot phase of the programme, which encompasses two strands, technology and customer behaviour, is now under way. Technology trials will test a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. Customer behaviour trials are determining the potential of smart meters to achieve measurable change in consumer behaviour. The trials are essential to ensure that the optimum and most cost effective technology and systems are identified for the implementation phase. The electricity technology trial will examine metering functionality and supporting information and communications systems. Installation of up to 8,000 meters has commenced for technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow.

Over 6,000 participants for the electricity customer behaviour trial have been selected to ensure that the sample is representative of Ireland's electricity consumers both in terms of usage profiles and geographical spread. The gas element of the pilot phase is also moving ahead. Installation of over 1,900 meters for the Customer Behaviour Trial is on schedule for completion by end November. A further 750 meters will be installed to facilitate the Gas Technology Trials. A key component of the pilot phase is the associated cost benefit analysis, which will critically inform future decisions. An interim analysis will be completed next year with the final analysis, to include the results of the gas trials, to be completed by mid 2011.

The smart metering pilot is proceeding in parallel with the current microgeneration initiative and there are important links between the two. The data gathered from the interval meters being used in the microgeneration scheme will provide vital information on the import and export of electricity, which will feed into the analysis of electricity use being carried out in the electricity element of the smart metering pilot. In turn, the findings of the smart metering pilot will also inform the development of a long term microgeneration strategy.

In February 2009 I launched the Micro Generation programme, which is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme will provide up to 4,000 domestic customers investing in micro-scale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid. The ESB has indicated that 92 customers had signed up for the scheme by September 2009. At this stage it is too early in the scheme to provide additional data. Further information on the programme is available at: http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/generator_connections/micro_gen_connections.jsp

The scheme will also enable two-way metering, to be installed without additional charge to the customer. The electricity producer will be paid a price of 19 cent per kilowatt-hour, which will help to offset the start up costs. The micro technologies in question include wind, solar and hydro as well as combined heat and power. It is the case that micro-scale electricity production will benefit the participating customers up-front by offsetting their purchase of electricity from their electricity suppliers.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has also launched a Micro-generation Pilot Programme, involving 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. Full details of the field trials, the criteria for applications, the involvement of the different technologies and customer groups and the exact level of support can be reviewed in the grants section of the SEI website. 40 applications have been approved to date.

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