Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
621. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of persons who have retrofitted their homes with heat pumps under the better energy homes programme since the opening of the programme; if the terms and conditions will be reviewed in view of take-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37766/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the new grant for heat pumps under the Better Energy Homes scheme in mid-April 2018. SEAI is administering the grant on behalf of my Department. Home heating is a significant investment for most households, especially if changing from familiar fuels and systems, and is not a decision usually hurried. Once a household has looked at the options, the supports available for heat pumps and decided to invest and to apply for a grant they go through the following steps:
- Obtain quotes
- Submit an application to the SEAI
- Take up to 6 months to complete the works
- Return declaration of works to SEAI
So, there is a necessary lag time between applying for a grant and having works carried out. To date SEAI has received 160 applications from homeowners for the installation of a heat pump, which are currently being processed. While all homeowners are eligible for this grant, to protect homeowners from installing heating systems in homes that are not well insulated (resulting in heat loss and higher energy bills), the home must meet a certain level of energy efficiency before SEAI can approve the application.
Grants for all types of wall insulation and attic insulation are also available from SEAI and I increased the amount of grant support offered for these energy efficiency measures earlier this year.
Heat pumps are also grant funded under other energy efficiency schemes administered by SEAI. In 2017 670 heat pumps were installed across the schemes while in 2018 the expected figures are:
- 477 heat pumps to be installed in Better Energy Communities;
- 28 heat pumps to be installed in Sustainable Energy Communities;
- At least 70 heat pumps to be installed under Deep Retrofit Pilot.
Precise 2018 numbers for installation of heat pumps under Homes, Communities and Deep Retrofit programmes will be available in January 2019.
As with all grant schemes offered by the SEAI terms and conditions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
