Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
41. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the SEAI can consider a person (details supplied) for future works on their property despite having had some minor energy efficiency work completed 15 years ago; if consideration is given to the health and age of such applicants and the nature and limitations of any previous work done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. In order to qualify for support, applicants must own and live in their home which was built and occupied before 2006 and must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Age and health status are not part of the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However, in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, I have been informed by the SEAI that there is no record of a previous application through the Warmer Homes Scheme for this address and as such, the person in question is eligible to submit an application for review.
There are currently over 7,800 homes on the Warmer Homes work programme and the scheme operates nationally on a first come, first serve basis. These homes have not previously received any free upgrades under the scheme and for that reason are the priority to receive upgrades. My Department is in regular contact with the SEAI in relation to the operation of the Scheme. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will be finalised shortly.
In addition to the increased budget allocation, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
