Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected timeline for delivery of a regulatory framework for district heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31183/23]
View answerThe appropriate regulation of District Heating will be critical in providing clarity in relation to the rights and obligations of consumers, and providing market certainty to operators. It will also allow for currently unregulated group heating schemes, which are generally smaller than district heating schemes and single building or housing scheme focussed, to be brought into the regulatory framework.
The report from the District Heating Steering Group, established by my Department last year, will be brought to Government in the coming weeks. The Report will contain recommendations for the development of the district heating sector underpinned by an appropriate policy and regulatory environment.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has been appointed as Regulator for district heating networks in accordance with requirements under the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive. As regulator for District Heating networks, CRU will initially be responsible for ensuring that relevant provisions arising from EU and national legislation are met.
The role of the regulator requires further development beyond the functions assigned under EU legislation and my Department is liaising with CRU in this regard, to ensure the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for district heating into the future.
