Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
290. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date in bringing forward legislation to facilitate micro-generation of electricity by householders and the export of any excess to the grid for payment. [20334/22]
View answer296. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans and indicative timeframe regarding the purchase of and payment for excess electricity generated by PV panels located on homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20556/22]
View answer315. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the new micro-generation scheme will be introduced; the form that it will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20779/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 290, 296 and 315 together. On 15 February this year I signed the Regulations (Statutory Instrument 76 of 2022), that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive into Irish law. These Regulations create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I are aware that some suppliers have already advertised their CEG tariffs.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. More information is available here: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CRU21131-Interim-Clean-Export-Guarantee-Decision-Paper.pdf. Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks (Micro-Generators (esbnetworks.ie)) and have a smart meter where applicable (Smart Meter Upgrade FAQs (esbnetworks.ie)).The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on billing cycle. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity.The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers CEG tariff arrangements.
In addition,the phased introduction of supports has already begun with the commencement by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last.
