Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 March 2012
147 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the eligibility criteria under which applicants to the warmer homes scheme will be assessed; and if he will provide a definitive timeline for when the work group will have decided the new criteria in order that 2012 applications may be processed. [11926/12]
View answerThe Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme is managed on behalf of my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty.
Previously, applicants were deemed eligible by SEAI for retrofit measures if they met defined criteria, such as eligibility for the National Fuel Scheme. All successful applicants were placed on a waiting list and addressed in rotation. The SEAI advises that there is a total of 10,382 homes on the national waiting list as of 13 February 2012. Energy efficiency upgrades continue to be provided and households on the waiting list on 31 December 2011 are being retrofitted according to their position on the waiting list. All applicants since that date have been informed that there will be a change in eligibility criteria.
The focus in 2012 is shifting to addressing, as a priority, those households identified as being in extreme energy poverty. Such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. Factors that will be taken into account in reviewing the eligibility criteria include the age of the home, the thermal efficiency of the home, the number and age of occupants, health considerations and household income. This will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first. The revised eligibility criteria will be published shortly and implementation of the prioritisation mechanism will begin next month.
148 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants available to householders accessing the better energy homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11938/12]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme, on behalf of my Department. The scheme is a demand-led programme open to all homeowners of dwellings built before 2006. The grants available under the Better Energy: Homes programme are set out in the following table:
|
Better Energy: Homes scheme |
Support Levels € |
|
Roof Insulation |
200 |
|
External wall insulation |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
1,800 |
|
Semi-detached OR End of terrace |
2,700 |
|
Detached House |
3,600 |
|
Internal Wall Dry-Lining |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
900 |
|
Semi-detached OR End of Terrace |
1,350 |
|
Detached House |
1,800 |
|
Cavity Wall Insulation |
250 |
|
High Efficiency Gas or Oil fired Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade |
560 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade |
400 |
|
BER After Upgrade Works (Only one BER grant per home) |
50 |
|
Solar Thermal |
800 |
Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and there is a dedicated hotline at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
