Paul Connaughton
Question:45 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Energy if he will consider the setting of energy efficiency/conservation targets for all the major energy utilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Energy Conservation.
The major energy utilities in this country are fully conscious of the need to strive for greater efficiency in their own operations and those of their customers. The question of setting conservation targets is primarily a matter for their consideration.
Joseph Doyle
Question:46 Mr. Doyle asked the Minister for Energy his views on whether structures in his Department are adequate to ensure that energy conservation is sufficiently targeted.
Paul Bradford
Question:58 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Energy the number of energy officers he has appointed; and if he will make a statement regarding their functions and powers.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 58 together.
Energy conservation policy work is carried out in my Department and I believe that the existing structures are adequate.
Many of the elements of my Department's energy conservation programme, much of which is carried out on behalf of my Department by the Energy Services Section of Eolas, are targeted at specific sectors and sub-sectors of the economy. Priority areas for action are reviewed from year to year having regard to the perceived potential for energy savings in particular sectors and to the budget available to my Department for this purpose.
I believe that this approach is the correct one as it facilitates the optimum use of available resources and ensures that such resources are not spread too thinly in any particular year. The Sectoral Audit Programme which was conducted over the past couple of years is a good example of this targeted approach.
I presume Deputy Bradford is referring to the Regional Energy Officers appointed by Eolas. There are three such Officers, one each located in Dublin, Cork and Sligo and their functions include promoting energy management and energy saving in industry, commerce and the public sector as well as providing support to the Maintenance, Energy and Environment Technology Association. In addition, ESB Energy Services staff carry out energy surveys/audits of commercial and industrial concerns and are available to provide advice on all aspects of electrical energy efficiency.