Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

674. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number and average value of grants awarded for the better energy homes scheme and the better energy warmer homes scheme, in each of the past five years. [46219/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered on behalf of my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the Better Energy Programme.

The Better Energy Homes scheme provides grant aid to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their home. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER).

From 2011 to end-November 2015 the scheme delivered energy efficiency measures to 109,191 homes around the country. In response to a decline in demand for this scheme, in March of this year, I increased grant levels and introduced other reforms such as a bonus payment for deeper measures. This has led to a resurgence in grant applications, with applications up 80% year on year in 2015.

The following illustrates the number of homes grant-aided per year, along with the average value of grants awarded.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, who meet the eligibility criteria. It should be noted that under this scheme the full cost of the works is met, therefore the figures given relate to average spend per home. The measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation.

From 2011 to end-November 2015, 67,293 homes around the country have received energy efficiency measures under the scheme. Demand for this scheme remains strong, with €15m paid out so far in 2015. The average spend per home has increased considerably over the past five years. This is primarily due to significant improvements in the technical standards the scheme must meet. Rising costs and the provision of some deeper interventions for households in severe energy poverty also account for this increase.