Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2007
52 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will bring forward a microgeneration strategy in the context of figures that indicate that there are just 21 microgeneration units connected to the energy system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23051/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra62 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he will facilitate the introduction of net metering to allow consumers to sell electricity back into the grid from a renewable power supply that they possess while also taking power from the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23133/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 62 together.
The programme for Government commits to developing Ireland's considerable potential for distributed generation, including micro-generation. In terms of international best practice we have a considerable distance to make up. The first step in implementing the programme for Government commitment, in relation to micro-generation, is the facilitation of a net metering system whereby local producers can sell surplus electricity they generate back to the grid. This will be made easier by the introduction of smart meters to all micro-generation sites.
My Department is working with Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Commission for Energy Regulation, ESB Networks and the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland, to put in place these and all other administrative, technical and safety standards and practices to underpin the widespread deployment of micro generation technologies.
