Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

175. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will increase the solar pv grant payment available for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59336/22]

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

The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity by 2030, including over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW.   The first phase of the scheme, consisting of a domestic solar PV grant, commenced in February 2022.  The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22 September, saw Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. Both grants are  administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and are up to a maximum of €2,400. 

This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for small businesses to reduce their electricity bills.  Moreover, with the  introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment, which further supports the investment. 

Since the introduction of the domestic Solar PV grant in February 2022, the SEAI has seen application levels rise sharply and are forecasting the numbers for 2022 to be more than double the application levels seen in 2021. While the non-domestic grant scheme has only recently commenced, it is envisaged that applications from businesses will also show strong demand. While the overall level of interest in the grant schemes indicates that the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.

The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff in 2023.   

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

On 22 September I announced the extension of Government supports of up to €2,400 for the installation of solar PV panels for non-domestic buildings – aimed specifically at businesses, public organisations and community groups including sports clubs and associations. The new grants are the next phase in the Government’s Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) and are administered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).   The scheme provides grant funding of up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV technology up to a maximum of 6kWp, which is approximately 16 solar panels. This provides an opportunity for all areas of the non-domestic sector to not only reduce their electricity bills, but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals.  

At the current high electricity prices, businesses, including the community group identified by the Deputy, have the potential to save €2,000-3,000 per annum from a solar PV system supported under this scheme. Moreover, with with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment.  This means that the installation can pay for itself quickly – thus helping to protect businesses and organisations across the country against rising energy prices into the future.  

To apply for a grant, non-domestic applicants should visit www.seai.ie and follow the outlined steps. 

The final phase of the Micro-generation Support Scheme will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff – to support electricity exported to the grid from non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWe up to 50kWe. The CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP in 2023. 

Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

177. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the supports that can be given to tenants in the case in which a landlord has not passed on electricity credits to them (details supplied). [59368/22]

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

Government is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households and throughout 2022 introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 has introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023, and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.The payment will be applied to domestic electricity accounts 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). This includes accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application.

ESB networks, the electricity distribution system operator will operate the scheme by virtue of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESBN will make payments to the individual energy suppliers, who will then credit individual domestic electricity accounts. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme.

While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others could 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 could 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.

Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including:- €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients

- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase

- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment

- Double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children

- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November

- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment.