I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228, 233, 237, 254 and 319 together.
The final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021 and will be published shortly. 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.On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. 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 am aware that some suppliers have already published 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 on the CRU website (www.cru.ie). Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks and have a smart meter installed where applicable. More information is available on the ESBN website (www.esbnetworks.ie). The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis but is not setting a date or deadline for the timing of the first payment. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on their billing cycle. The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their supplier's CEG tariff arrangements.