In July 2018, I announced details of a new pilot scheme to support micro generation, initially targeting solar PV, homeowners and self-consumption. The data gathered during the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro-generation in Ireland that may be appropriate, as we align with the ambition and requirements of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED) that recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers.
Last year, my Department assessed micro generation, across a number of renewable electricity generating technologies, as part of the economic analysis to underpin the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The assessment identified technical and financial challenges, which may need to be addressed before a broader support scheme for micro generation can be introduced. This is in line with international and EU experience, where many member states who have introduced supports for micro generation have had to reform them or cancel them altogether.
The reality is that bringing micro generation onto a system designed for large generators is complicated. It impacts how we pay for the network, how we manage regulation and how we technically manage the system. My Department is continuing to work closely with the micro-generation sector and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to better understand how to validate and further develop these policies in a fair and cost effective manner.
In September 2017, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced its delivery plan for smart meters in Ireland. The plan provides for the phased rollout of smart meters to every home and business in the country over a six-year period from 2019. The rollout will occur in a structured and phased basis, commencing with an initial delivery of 250,000 meters across 2019-2020 and approximately 500,000 meters in each of the four subsequent years. The initial priority is to respond to consumers who request a smart meter and to replace older meters, which are approaching the end of their life expectancy.
In the interim period until smart meters have been rolled out to customers, ESB Networks will provide import/export metering to the grid where required for domestic and commercial premises. Details are available at www.esbnetworks.ie.
