Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2011
164 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason grants under the better energy homes scheme were cut from 8 December 2011; his views that these reductions are inconsistent with supporting employment in the energy retrofitting area, the urgent need to tackle fuel poverty and reduce the nation’s dependency on imported fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40230/11]
View answer165 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applicants on waiting lists for the home energy saving scheme and the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40232/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers Better Energy on behalf of my Department. As announced in the context of the Budget, the Government has committed funding of €76 million on the Better Energy Programme next year. While the overall allocation represents a decrease, it will support substantial economic activity in 2012 supporting at least 4,500 jobs and generating anticipated energy savings of 340 GWh. The Budget allocation inevitably reflects the need to make reductions across the public capital programme but the continued level of support endorses the positive economic impact of the programme. I anticipate that all the resources made available in 2012 will be drawn down and that the scheme will continue to support a significant level of employment.
Better Energy: Homes programme has overseen the upgrade of over 100,000 homes since commencement in May 2009. There is no waiting list for the Better Energy: Homes scheme. One of the aims of the programme is to develop a mature market for wall insulation. In recent months, there has been a significant and growing level of applications for both internal and external wall insulation, which points to the development of a mature market. In response, and to obviate against dead weight, grant levels have been adjusted. It is worth noting that there have been minor changes to the most popular measures, so for the majority of applicants there will be little or no impact.
The Programme for Government commits to a withdrawal of grant aid for Better Energy Homes and a transition to a Pay-As-You-Save scheme by 2014.
Improving the energy efficiency of our homes, business and public sector will realise significant financial savings, while also reducing Ireland's dependence upon imported fossil fuels. The present and forthcoming National Energy Efficiency Action Plans are designed to realise significant emissions reductions, where energy efficiency has a pivotal role to play.
Better Energy: Warmer Homes aims to provide energy efficiency improvements to low-income homes unable to afford the cost of implementing such measures. To date, efficiency improvements have been made in over 75,000 homes. There are currently 8,546 homes nationwide on the Better Energy: Warmer Homes waiting list. SEAI is working to ensure work is completed on homes on the waiting list as soon as is practicable.
I published the Affordable Energy Strategy on 27 November 2011, which sets out 48 time bound actions across Government designed to protect households in energy poverty, a copy of which was circulated to all Deputies last week.
|
Better Energy: Homes scheme |
Previous Support Levels € |
Current Support Levels € |
|
Roof Insulation |
200 |
200 |
|
External wall insulation |
4,000 |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
1,800 |
|
|
Semi-detached OR End of terrace |
2,700 |
|
|
Detached House |
3,600 |
|
|
Internal Wall Dry-Lining |
2,000 |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
900 |
|
|
Semi-detached OR End of Terrace |
1,350 |
|
|
Detached House |
1,800 |
|
|
Cavity Wall Insulation |
320 |
250 |
|
High Efficiency Gas or Oil fired Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade |
560 |
560 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade |
400 |
400 |
|
BER After Upgrade Works (Only one BER grant per home) |
80 |
50 |
|
Solar Thermal |
800 |
800 |
