Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
24. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the microgeneration scheme will be in operation; the reason for the delay in introducing this crucial scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53682/21]
View answerA Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, which reflects the market value of that electricity.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee payment, including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction. The consultation is now closed. I understand a decision is expected to be published this month, with a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards.
My Department is engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on transposing Articles 21 and 22 of the Recast Renewable Energy Directive into Irish law, which will provide the legal basis for the Clean Export Guarantee. It is expected that this will be completed before year end.
My Department is also developing a final scheme design for the Micro-generation Support Scheme that incorporates the feedback from a public consultation held earlier this year, and subsequent additional analysis. A proposal on the supports to be offered under the Scheme, which may include grants or premium tariff payments for new installations, will be submitted to Government later this year. It is intended that a final scheme design will be published in Q1 2022.
Supports under the Micro-generation Scheme will be introduced on a phased basis, taking account of the need to develop appropriate support mechanisms for relevant cohorts of micro-generators. Timelines for the steps necessary for the phased delivery of the Scheme will be outlined in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, which will be published shortly.
