Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
130. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the new scheme for the installation of photovoltaic for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons; if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has finalised the scheme details; when the scheme will be accessible to vulnerable customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41063/22]
View answer168. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the new scheme for the installation of photovoltaic for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41774/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 168 together.
The National Energy Security Framework (NESF), published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. Included in measures to address consumers under the NESF, under Response 8, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will introduce a targeted scheme for the installation of solar PV panels for vulnerable customers/households. SEAI has indicated that it is currently finalising the scheme following consultation with key stakeholders including the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), ESB Networks (ESBN), the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), and publication of the final details will follow this process.
