Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 427: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of contractors who are registered to participate in the better energy scheme; the requirements for contractors who wish to participate in delivering the scheme; and if the scheme is open to new applicants from contractors who wish to deliver the scheme. [22108/11]

Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 428: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homeowners who have requested grants under the better energy scheme; and the number of homeowners who have been allocated grants on a county basis and by postcode within the Dublin area. [22109/11]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 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 replaces three energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).

Contractors can register with Better Energy: Homes if they wish to deliver any of the services supported under this scheme. The registration process, from receipt of fully compliant documentation, is typically two days. All registering contractors must provide the following documents:

Completed and signed registration form

Copy of Tax clearance certificate (TCC) or C2

Contractor Certificate of Insurance form – completed by Insurance broker.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has streamlined registration in order to minimise the additional documentation that is required from contractors previously registered for HES or GHS. There are currently 2885 registered contractors actively operating under Better Energy: Homes.

Competency requirements vary depending on the type of installations works the contractor is registered to carry out. These requirements are detailed in the Code of Practice, Standards and Specifications document and in the contractor registration form, which are all available on the Better Energy section of the SEAI website.

Since the launch of the HES scheme in March 2009, a total of 124,563 homes have made applications and accepted grant offers, of which 90,313 had successfully drawn down their grant by end of June 2011.

The number and location of homes which have made application for a grant since the launch of HES in March 2009 and since the launch of Better Energy in May 2011 are as follows: