Paul Connaughton
Ceist:15 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Energy whether he has received the report of the working group on combined heat and power; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Combined Heat and Power Report.
The Working Group on Combined Heat and Power (CHP) submitted its report to me in July of last year. The working group focused its attention on two main areas, namely, the then existing ESB tariff for CHP operators and the question of ESB buying surplus power which is supplied to the national grid by CHP operators. The group found that the ESB tariff arrangements were not unfair as they relate to CHP operators and that the ESB should publish a tariff for buying power from CHP operators.
Following completion of the report, the ESB announced changes in the tariff which will benefit CHP operators and undertook to purchase surplus electricity at the same rates as those applicable to hydro-producers.
Perhaps the ESB have the greatest potential for development in that area. Has the Minister any indication as a result of these changes that there will be any further initiatives in this area, which is identified as one of the desired alternative developments for electricity production for the EC in the years ahead?
The changes announced by the ESB are very welcome and I will carefully monitor their impact in terms of any new developments. The ESB have now adopted a more supportive approach to CHP development and apart from the recent tariff changes, their sales engineers are now encouraging the development of CHP when they visit customers who are likely CHP prospects. These developments augur well for the future development of CHP in Ireland. I will keep the situation under review.
Is the report generally available at the moment?
No. It is a confidential report available to me and it will not be published.
Will the Minister——
I come to deal with Question No. 16.
——consider making any elements of it available?
I can give the Deputy a summary of it which I have already given to the Combined Heat and Power Association of Ireland. I will give it to all the Energy spokespersons in the House.