Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
193. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the work carried out by an organisation (details supplied); if he has engaged with any approved housing bodies or local authorities on the issue of finding solutions within the social housing sector to utilise surplus renewable energy to help address fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/22]
View answerThis technology is consistent with the Government’s Climate Action Plan, and the Programme for Government which supports the ambitious plan to deliver 70% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It also supports the work of my Department and other Government agencies and Departments who are focused on helping to address fuel poverty. I understand this technology utilises existing infrastructure in the home, such as the hot water tank, to receive surplus renewable energy at times when it is not needed on the energy grid.
My colleague, the Minister for Energy, Climate and Communications, has responsibility for these climates objectives and the regulation of electricity from a consumer perspective. The new business model proposed by this organisation supports the achievement of the objectives of electricity decarbonisation and the just transition.
My Department is working to ensure that improved energy efficiency and associated amelioration of fuel poverty both in social housing and the private rental sector, will continue to be the focus of attention in the years ahead. This will also provide a platform which supports the development of new enterprises which will enable the transition away from a carbon based society. My officials have met with the organisation referred to and were provided with an overview of their work to date. As the Department of Environment Climate and Communications has lead responsibility in this area the organisation proposes to liaise further with that Department along with the relevant electricity providers in relation to providing support and advice and on the application of the scheme. Following on from this, my Department can then ascertain any potential applications for the scheme in social housing.
A strong emphasis on fuel poverty and the need to improve thermal performance in the social housing stock remains a priority for my Department, as is evident in the Energy Efficiency Programme launched in 2021 which has received a substantial increase in annual funding support to assist local authorities in the management and maintenance of their stock.
Budget 2022 has provided a significantly increased budget of €85 million for the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme this year which will allow for 2,400 local authority homes to be targeted for upgrade to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or cost optimal equivalent level.
In addition, the Government funds a number of residential energy efficiency upgrade schemes. These schemes are operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and include partial grants for individuals that can afford to contribute to the cost of energy efficiency upgrades as well as schemes that provide free energy efficiency improvements for people who are in receipt of certain welfare payments. Grants are available for a range of measures including insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and integrated heating controls.
