Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
164. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider allowing multiple homeowners in the same locale to apply for a solar electricity grant through a joint application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22497/23]
View answerThe Government’s Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021, with a target of achieving 380MW of new renewable generation capacity by 2030, under the Climate Action Plan 2021. Grants are currently available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for domestic installations, up to a maximum of €2,400.? Grants are limited to one per property, identified by an individual MPRN. Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in February 2022, the SEAI saw application levels rise sharply, resulting in more than double the number of applications supported by the end of the year, compared with initial forecasts. The scheme has continued to grow in 2023, with demand projected to reach record levels by the end of the year. The recent introduction of 0% VAT on the supply and installation of domestic solar PV installations is also expected to drive demand. As such, while the exceptional level of interest in the scheme indicates that the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.?? Additionally in February 2022 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. Also included in these regulations transposed in SI 76/2022, were provisions for active consumers and jointly acting renewable self-consumers, which the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) have undertaken to progress. It is expected that this framework for active consumers and energy communities will be published by CRU later in 2023, and this will facilitate multiple homeowners and/or final electricity customers, to participate jointly in schemes to share the benefits of self-generated renewable electricity.
