David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No.108 of 2 March 2010, the total number of customers who have signed up to the microgeneration programme being operated by the Electricity Supply Board; the number signed up under each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16659/10]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 2 March 2010, the details of the further progress between his Department and the Electricity Supply Board in relation to the review of the microgeneration programme and its participation levels; the action he will take to improve take-up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/10]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a feed in tariff for microgeneration here; if he envisages a role for microgeneration in reducing our emissions and improving our energy mix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16631/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 87 and 96 together.

The Micro Generation Programme is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme has the potential to 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 advises that, to date, 240 customers have signed up for the scheme – 215 in the wind category and 25 in the solar photovoltaic category. ESB Networks have received a further 400 enquiries from householders that are at various stages of developing micro generator installations.

I am committed to supporting the development of microgeneration as part of the transformation of the network from a centralised system to a smart energy system. Microgeneration can play an increasing role in reducing energy emissions and also in reducing exposure to imported fossil fuels. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is carrying out ongoing monitoring and assessment of their existing programme of micro-generation plants. The purpose of the programme, among other things, is to bring forward appropriate technical standards, including safety standards, for micro-scale equipment and to inform the development of dedicated training standards for installers of micro generation technologies.

My Department will continue to work with the SEAI, the Commission for Energy Regulation, ESB and other electricity supply companies to increase the uptake of microgeneration among electricity consumers, including the provision of requisite supports where justified.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects the ESB market share of domestic household electricity supply to be below 60%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16596/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The recently published decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) on the road map for electricity price deregulation is an important step on the path to developing a fully competitive electricity market in Ireland. This decision demonstrates that Government and regulatory policy to encourage competition is paying dividends through lower prices and greater choice for Irish homes and businesses. The outcome of the road map decision is that ESB retail tariffs for business customers will no longer be regulated by the CER. The decision paper also sets out the criteria for deregulation of tariffs in the domestic market. Among these criteria is the reduction of ESB domestic market share to below 60%.

I endorse the CER view that this is likely to happen in the not-too-distant future. This assessment is based on the continued high rate of customer switching in the domestic market. Since early 2009, when BGE and Airtricity first entered the domestic market, some 23% of domestic customers have already switched supplier. This is a testament to the sophistication of Irish energy consumers, who are also clearly interested in the new options on offer such as alternative billing arrangements and more environmentally friendly electricity supplies, as well as value for money.

In addition to monitoring market shares and switching rates, it is important to ensure that all Irish consumers can benefit from a fully competitive and deregulated electricity market. I therefore welcome the CER commitment to take full action to enhance consumer awareness and full market transparency across all parts of the domestic market. My Department is also working on delivering enhanced consumer protection and information provisions as part of the transposition of the third EU internal energy market package of legislation.