Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the extensive delays in issuing IDs to contractors under the better home energy scheme; in view of the delay, if he will amend the scheme to allow those contractors who were formerly registered under the greener homes scheme to use those IDs until the new registrations are supplied; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay will mean many qualified contractors will go out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13975/11]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 100: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amounts available by category under the greener homes scheme; the uptake by category; the amounts available under the better energy home scheme by category; if he will supply the amount set aside for the scheme in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13976/11]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 101: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way it is intended to link private contractors to pay as you go finance in the context of the better home energy scheme; if it is only the primary energy suppliers that may offer the scheme; if there is a competition issue in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13987/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Question Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.

I announced the launch of 'Better Energy: The National Upgrade Programme' on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 on foot of the Jobs Initiative. Better Energy will replace the three existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).

The residential strand of Better Energy allows domestic customers to apply for an Exchequer supported incentive, currently a grant but which will migrate to an upfront discount later in the year. The measures grant-aided under this strand include roof and wall insulation, high efficiency boilers, heating control upgrades and solar thermal. Since its launch in March 2006 the Greener Homes Scheme has provided Government support of €72m towards the installation of over 33,000 renewable energy heating systems. In addition, the Home Energy Saving scheme, has provided over €84m in grant support to over 85,000 homes for the implementation of nearly 200,000 measures. Both schemes are now fully integrated into Better Energy. The capital allocation for Better Energy in 2011 is €91.4m and the current grant levels are set out in the table.

The Better Energy grant levels have been set to ensure that the level of Exchequer support is in line with market prices. Since the HES scheme was launched in 2009, there have been substantial reductions in the prices being charged for most of the measures covered by the scheme, the exception being external insulation, which is a relatively new technology in Ireland. It is clearly essential that the level of Exchequer support reflects market prices. Measures being supported under the Better Energy programme are those designed to deliver the greatest energy savings, maximising the value achieved from the available budget allocation.

In relation to the issuing of IDs to contractors I am advised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which administers the Programme on my behalf, that where fully compliant documentation is submitted, contractors are registered within two working days. Since Better Energy Homes went live the SEAI have already registered over 160 contractors for solar energy installations, bringing the total number of registered contractors to over 2,800.

The SEAI have streamlined registration in order to minimise the additional documentation that is required from contractors previously registered for HES or GHS that want to become a Better Energy contractor.

One of the key objectives of the Better Energy programme is to support the construction sector and the delivery of quality installations in line with good practice. This includes agreement to a code of practice and technical specification in relation to the work to be undertaken by a contractor, evidence of tax compliance, appropriate insurance and training for delivery of the work for which a contractor is registered. These requirements are fully appropriate in the interests of consumer protection and the proper disbursement of public funds.

Pay-as-you-save is a financial model which would allow energy consumers to finance energy efficiency upgrades through the energy savings generated. The Programme for Government commits to the roll out of a pay-as-you-save scheme after 2013 to enable the home energy efficiency programme to continue without recourse to public funding. My Department is working with SEAI, the utilities and financial institutions to develop proposals for the introduction of a national pay-as-you-save scheme in line with this timeframe.

There are considerable complexities involved in the development of a pay-as-you-save scheme and comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders will be required. I expect to bring forward legislation to underpin the scheme next year. Better Energy Measures Support Levels