In February, the Government approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades thereby achieving lower energy bills and lower emissions. The grant levels announced were informed by detailed analysis and research led by the Department and the SEAI. My officials engage with their counterparts in the SEAI on an ongoing basis in relation to the operation of the schemes. The SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes and rates are kept under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors. An independent quantity surveyor review of market costs is due to be commissioned by SEAI before the end of the year.
SEAI contractors are private providers and as such, it is not unexpected that there will be differences in the prices quoted. Furthermore, the cost of a retrofit measure depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended.
As the retrofit industry transforms to accommodate much higher levels of output in line with our national targets, quality must be maintained at a high level to ensure value for money for the taxpayers and to sustain consumer confidence and demand. Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents. The SEAI carries out verification inspections on grant aided works on a sample basis to ensure grants are paid in accordance with SEAI’s terms and conditions.
Since the launch of the enhanced grant schemes earlier this year, demand has been very strong. Figures from SEAI indicate that, as of end-October:
- Almost 41,000 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.
- Over 18,400 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 59% increase on the same period last year.
- Over 3,600 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 122% increase on the same period last year.
- Almost 6,000 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – a 79% increase on the same period last year
- Among the overall energy upgrades completed to date this year, 1,341 have included the installation of heat pumps.
My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023.
