Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
228. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if recommendations have been finalised on the implementation of changes to ensure that the warmer homes scheme better targets the people most in need as set out in the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4323/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to lower income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 146,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme leaving them better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. During the first 9 months of 2021, the approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was €17,100. Budget 2022 has allocated €202 million for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes. Over half of this (€109 million) will be used to provide free energy efficiency upgrades to households that are in, or at risk of, energy poverty through the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme.
The National Retrofit Plan includes a commitment to finalise recommendations on the implementation of changes to ensure that the Warmer Homes Scheme better targets those most in need. I will shortly finalise proposals in that regard.
