Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
126. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the waiting times for the warmer homes scheme, in view of the fact that an applicant (details supplied) has been informed that the process will take nine months. [6138/13]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme under the Better Energy Programme. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes programme is an important element of the Affordable Energy Strategy that was launched in November 2011. The energy efficiency measures are targeted at low income families and will make a lasting impact on households experiencing energy poverty. Exchequer funding of over €101 million has been allocated to the programme since 2000, which has successfully delivered energy efficiency measures to 92,563 homes. In 2012 the programme delivered energy saving measures to 12,175 homes. Despite the current economic challenges, the Government is committed to continuing to deliver energy efficiency measures to vulnerable households. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated Exchequer funding of €20 million for 2013, and according to the most up to date analysis available to date, it is anticipated that the scheme will deliver upgrades to approximately 12,000 homes this year.
The SEAI currently has 7,700 applications on hand which predate the application referred to by the Deputy. The SEAI anticipates that it will take 9 months to clear the existing waiting list and address the property in question. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hotline can be reached 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.
