Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
154. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the feed-in tariff for homes with PV panels will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55703/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to regularise the payments that smaller scale hydroelectric generators receive for the electricity they supply to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56174/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 169 together.
The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff will represent the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, including micro- and small-scale hydroelectric, wind and solar PV installations. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlined the details for the introduction of the CEG payment. The consultation is now closed and I understand a decision is expected to be published this month and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards. The CRU propose that a competitive market based approach will apply to the CEG tariff. The CRU decision will outline the eligibility criteria which must be met in order for a renewables self-consumer to be eligible to receive the CEG. It is expected that these will include having an export grid connection from ESB Networks. In addition, where the customer's meter type is eligible for upgrade under the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), a smart meter must be installed. Where a customer's eligible meter type has not yet been upgraded under the NSMP, the CRU proposes that a deemed or estimated export calculation will apply. In relation to micro- and small-scale hydro installations, where there is an element of self-consumption on site and the eligibility criteria established by the CRU are met, then they will be eligible to receive the CEG. This will not impact upon generators with no self-consumption who have existing power purchase agreement contracts with suppliers.
