Written answers
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Better Energy Homes Scheme Expenditure
Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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410. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm the level of funding which householders applied for under the better energy homes scheme and the better energy warmer homes scheme in 2012; the way these figures compare with 2011 and the amount available to the schemes in 2013. [22926/13]
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Better Energy Homes and the Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the Better Energy Programme.
The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include; draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
The following tables outline the number of homes completed and the value of the grants received for both schemes:
| Better Energy Homes | No. of homes completed | Value of applications drawn down (€m) | Budget Allocation (€m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 47, 716 | 57.6 | - |
| 2012 | 26, 185 | 28.9 | - |
| 2013 (to end April) | 5, 087 | 4.5 | 18 |
| Better Energy Warmer Homes | No. of homes completed | Value of applications drawn down(€m) | Budget Allocation (€m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 20, 388 | 20.2 | - |
| 2012 | 12, 175 | 20.5 | - |
| 2013 (to end April) | 2, 292 | 2 | 17 |
In relation to the Warmer Homes scheme the Deputy may wish to note that the bulk of expenditure under this scheme takes place in the second half of the year.
In respect of the Better Energy Homes Scheme, I am advised by the SEAI that the principle reason for the decline in applications relates to the downturn in consumption. Dependent on the particular application, homeowners are required in general to put up matching funds of the order of two to one. The Programme for Government requires the transition in 2014 from the existing Better Energy Scheme to a type of Pay As You Save model.
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