Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021
199. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the funding his Department has provided to develop onshore wind energy projects from 1 January 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55283/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of developing commercial electricity generation plant is borne by project developers, within an open competitive market. There are no Exchequer funds allocated for this purpose. Renewable electricity projects such as onshore wind and solar can currently benefit from participation in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The RESS, and similar previous support schemes, are supported by the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy, which is collected from all electricity customers in Ireland through their energy bills.
The proceeds of the levy are used to contribute to the additional costs incurred by PSO-supported electricity generation which are not recovered in the electricity market, typically via contracts that suppliers have in place with electricity generators. The PSO is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity and to enable Ireland reach national and EU renewable energy and climate targets. The money raised from the levy is paid to qualifying generators.
The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation are set out in regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and the Public Service Obligations Order 2002 (S.I. 217 of 2002). Under this legislation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is assigned responsibility for the calculation of the levy each year and the calculation of the Levy is strictly a CRU matter.
The CRU is accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas. It provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members - oireachtas@cru.ie - to raise questions with CRU on electricity and gas regulatory matters for timely direct reply.
