Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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235. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when his Department will allow microgenerated electricity to be sold to the State; the reason for the delay regarding these plans given it was expected that microgenerated electricity could be sold to the State from January 2022; if those that installed renewable energy sources on the basis that they would be able to sell excess energy back to the State will be compensated; the reason that energy bills are no longer being credited for the energy being microgenerated in a home since the installation of smart meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I am aware that some suppliers have already published their CEG tariffs.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. More information is available here: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CRU21131-Interim-Clean-Export-Guarantee-Decision-Paper.pdf. Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks and have a smart meter installed where applicable. See www.esbnetworks.ie for more information.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has decided upon a competitive market-based approach to the setting of the CEG tariff, as well as a number of provisions to ensure that its implementation aligns with the National Smart Metering Programme. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on their billing cycle. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity.

The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers CEG tariff arrangements.