Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to indicate, in the case of a person (details supplied) if any grant exists for this purpose or a means can be found to carry out the works without such high costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49215/23]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme will roll out and install 2.4 million meters by 2025 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. It is overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the electricity meter rollout on the ground. The Deputy is reminded that the CRU is an independent regulator accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. However, I understand from ESBN that if a smart meter installer encounters a potentially dangerous situation resulting from the existing condition of the electrical wiring in a home, they may not be able to complete the meter exchange. Each situation is unique, and may involve an exchange taking place or not, depending on the specific circumstances. The smart meter installer may also provide a safety letter to the customer, outlining any electrical work which is either advised to be undertaken or must be undertaken, in order to ensure the householder’s own electrical wiring is of the appropriate standard. In relation to grant support for domestic rewiring, the Housing Aid for Older People scheme provides grants of up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, upgrades to electrical wiring, repair or replacement of windows and doors, and provision of heating (where there is no central heating or it is broken beyond repair). Further details on this grant scheme, including the eligibility criteria and means tests, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/ The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provide a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise day to day questions on regulatory matters directly to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
