Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Smart Metering Programme will roll out and install 2.1 million meters by 2025 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. It is co-ordinated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the electricity meter rollout on the ground. The meter replacement programme is taking place on a phased basis and the total number of smart meters installed at present is over 1,627,000. Additionally, over 75,000 customers with registered micro-generation installations have smart meters installed.

The Domestic Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is open to houses built prior to 2021. There is no requirement to have a smart meter installed to install solar panels, with or without SEAI grant support. However, for safety reasons, householders must notify ESB Networks of their intention to install solar panels, using the NC6 notification process.

It is important to note that householders who install solar PV panels can obtain the greatest benefit from their systems when they maximise the self-consumption of the renewable electricity which they generate. Thereafter, there is potential for payment for any excess electricity exported to the grid, under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme. However, this should be regarded as an additional benefit and not the primary driver for engaging in microgeneration.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) oversees the CEG scheme and published a decision paper on an interim enabling framework for the CEG, which outlines the arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. This is available on www.cru.ie. If households with Solar PV systems wish to register with their energy supplier for the CEG tariff, they must meet the specified eligibility criteria, which includes having a smart meter installed, if they are eligible for one.

As the rollout of the National Smart Metering Programme is co-ordinated by CRU and the ESBN, my Department does not maintain oversight on the day-to-day operations of the programme. Moreover, the CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.