Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1268. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the discussions he has had with the energy providers and CER to utilise more renewable energy on the grid; the steps he is taking to help reduce energy costs for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35027/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. In response to national and European renewables targets, EirGrid began a multi-year programme, “Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System” (DS3). DS3 is designed to ensure that we can securely operate the power system with increasing amounts of variable non-synchronous renewable generation over the coming years.
The overarching energy objective of successive Governments has been to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. The deregulated energy market results in choices for consumers and businesses in terms of suppliers, products and prices. I have no statutory function in the regulation of the electricity or gas market. This is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), the independent statutory regulator.
I would encourage consumers to either switch supplier or contact their current supplier to ensure they have the best possible deal. The CER approves two comparison websites, www.bonkers.ie and www.switcher.ie, to assist customers who wish to switch or compare tariffs.
Energy efficiency supports represent a significant opportunity for consumers to reduce their energy costs. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) provides the policy framework for energy efficiency in Ireland. Energy efficiency supports are available via the SEAI, to assist both business and domestic energy consumers, with significant funding allocated to them.
In 2017 I have allocated increased funding to the various schemes promoting energy efficiency. Overall, over €100m will be spent on supporting sustainable energy projects in 2017, saving over 116,000 tonnes in carbon emissions every year, reducing overall dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supporting around 3,000 jobs.
