Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the target number of homes to be completed under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme in 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9851/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,100.
There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are at various stages of the process: awaiting the initial survey of their home; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor; have been allocated to a contractor for works; or, are currently undergoing works. It is important to note that activity under the Scheme in 2020 and 2021 was significantly impacted by COVID-related restrictions on the construction sector, given the nature of retrofit works, and this led to a large increase in the number of homes awaiting works.
The 2022 budget, at €109 million, is the highest ever and is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million). This will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted under the scheme from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month (or a total of 4,800) this year. The level of activity to be undertaken in 2023 will be determined , taking account of progress this year and as part of the 2023 Estimates process.
