Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

15. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware that night storage heating meter are not entitled to a smart meter; if he is aware this is therefore preventing them from installing solar AV; the number of people this has impacted; the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26206/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has responsibility for the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the roll-out across the country.

I understand that currently Night Storage Heating (NSH) has a day/night meter for the NSH with a switch and a 24 hr register meter that records the usage for the rest of the usage. ESBN have proposed a technical solution for single phase NSH customers and have made that solution available for circa 25,000 single phase customers, pending agreement by CRU and Energy Suppliers.

I am advised that ESBN can take out the two meters and replace these with a single Day/Night smart meter and a relay that switches on the NSH. However, customers would still need to contact their Energy Supplier to assess the available tariff options, ensure that they are appropriate and agree to a change of contract.

It is important to note that a customer’s meter type, whether it be Night Storage, Day/Night or 24 hr, does not prevent the installation of Solar PV panels. The primary benefit of Solar PV installations is to offset the energy demand requirements of a premises, which can be done by maximising the self-consumption of the self-generated electricity. Thereafter any excess electricity can be exported, with the customer receiving remuneration under the Clean Export Guarantee scheme. Moreover, as is detailed in the CRU’s CEG decision paper, where no smart meter solution is available for a customer, then they would be entitled to Deemed Payments for their export.

Full details and eligibility requirements can be found at CRU.ie, decision paper reference CRU202454 entitled ‘Clean Export Guarantee - Enduring Arrangements to Remunerate Customers for Microgeneration Exports’.