Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
785. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the insulation installation scheme in terms of whether he plans to reduce funding or discontinue the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/13]
View answerThe National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Programme for Government include a commitment to roll out a Better Energy Financing (also known as Pay-As-You-Save) retrofit scheme for domestic buildings. The Better Energy Financing (BEF) model proposes that the current suite of Exchequer-funded grants for energy efficiency measures would be replaced by a new financing scheme open to householders. The current programme, which includes Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes, will remain open for applications until the new BEF scheme is introduced. In the interim, I have no plans to reduce funding or discontinue the existing residential sector supports. I wish to stress, however, that it is my intention in the context of the introduction of a BEF scheme that the existing Warmer Homes scheme, aimed at those on low incomes, would remain in existence.My Department, with the assistance of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), has put in place a project team to design the BEF scheme under the direction of a Project Board representing key State and industry stakeholders. The design of the scheme is currently being developed and a public consultation process was undertaken during August. On foot of the outcome of this consultation and the recommendations of the Project Board, it is my intention to bring the matter to Government in the coming weeks outlining the detailed design of the BEF programme. The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to lower income households 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.
Just over 250,000 homes have been upgraded through the Better Energy schemes that are administered by the SEAI. The number of homes completed this year to end-August and the value of the grants, are listed in the table below.
|
No. of Homes Completed |
Value of applications drawn down (€m) |
|
|
Better Energy Homes |
9,459 |
8.8 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
7,192 |
8.8 |
