Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

174. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will examine a series on matters (details supplied) in relation to the carbon free economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22635/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. In their recent communication 'REPower EU', the European Commission have stated that an additional 15 million tonnes (mt) of renewable hydrogen, on top of the 5.6 mt foreseen under the Fit for 55, can replace 25-50 bcm per year of imported Russian gas by 2030.The communication includes a number of measures proposed by the Commission to help Europe achieve this ambition.  

Green hydrogen can play a role in “difficult-to-decarbonise” sectors where energy efficiency, electrification and direct use of renewables are not feasible solutions, in particular those identified in the Climate Action Plan 2021 such as heavy transport (heavy-duty vehicles, maritime and aviation), as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity.  

A hydrogen strategy for Ireland is a key priority in the April 2022 Energy Security Framework, with a target date of Q3 2022 for its delivery. The hydrogen strategy will outline the pathways towards the production of green hydrogen and its use in Ireland’s energy mix. My Department is finalising preparations for a public consultation to gather the views of stakeholders and interested parties which will inform the development of this strategy.Nuclear powered electricity generation plants are prohibited in Ireland and the Government has no plans to revisit the prohibition on, or explore the development of, nuclear powered electricity generation in Ireland.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

175. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the €200 energy credit is payable to homeowners who live above or adjacent to their business premises and whose electricity for domestic and commercial use all comes through the same metering system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22672/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget and those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.

This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a Meter Point Registration Number, to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible in 2022, without any additional means testing. As such, it is being applied automatically to all domestic electricity accounts which were held with suppliers on 29 March. The payment is being applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act.

The Deputy may also wish to note that updates on the electricity credit, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the impact on consumer cost and security of supply following the Commission for Regulation of Utilities decision to permit the ESB to terminate existing contracts in relation to Ringsend, Corduff and Poolbeg plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22683/22]

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

177. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if clarification will be provided regarding the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme in relation to property owners who maintain apartment buildings with multiple units operate a single electricity account for the building (details supplied). [22685/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget and those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.

While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others would have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion would have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost.Where tenants have a dispute relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.

The Deputy may also wish to note that updates on the electricity credit, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme