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Energy Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022

Wednesday, 4 May 2022

Questions (100)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

100. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that micro businesses have major issues in accessing the national retrofitting scheme given that most micro businesses do not meet the minimum €10,000 spending condition on lights and heating for their premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22315/22]

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Written answers

The SEAI’s Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) offers SMEs a €2,000 voucher towards the cost of a high-quality energy audit. In most cases, this will cover the total cost of the audit.

SMEs from all sectors can apply. The criteria for the SSEA include that businesses applying to the scheme must be:

- non-obligated entities

- tax compliant

- registered in the Republic of Ireland

- spend at least €10,000 on energy per year at the site being audited.

The €10,000 threshold has been put in place to ensure value for money.

For businesses who spend less than €10,000 on energy per year, the SEAI provides free energy management training carried out by an energy expert. This training helps SMEs develop an energy action plan for their business, which can help them save energy and money. Businesses can also access a full suite of online training modules on the SEAI Energy Academy, which have been designed to support SMEs looking to reduce their energy use and transition to renewable energy.

There is no minimum number of employees that a company needs to have to be eligible to apply for the scheme.

More information is available at www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/supports/energy-audits/.

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