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Energy Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Ceisteanna (196)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

196. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to carry out a follow up Social Impact Assessment on the programmes targeting energy poverty since the assessment that was published in October 2020 which found the level of data collected was insufficient to provide an assessment of the schemes’ impact on recipients. [23028/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,620.A budget allocation of €109 million has been provided for this scheme this year. This will support an increase in the number of free home upgrades, from an average of 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This is a top priority in SEAI's work programme.Following a review of the scheme a number of changes were announced in February this year including a decision to commence the collection of both pre and post works Building Energy Ratings (BER) under the scheme.The primary purpose of this is to improve targeting of the scheme to those most in need by providing better pre-works data. However, a pre works BER will also offer other broader benefits, including: more effective retrofit design; more housing stock data; and greater homeowner understanding of their property.The provision of pre works BERs will also provide additional metrics and allow for improved measurement of the impact of the Scheme. This would address recommendations identified in the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service Social Impact Assessment referred to in the Question. The scheme is kept under ongoing review and any decision in relation to the timing of any further Social Impact Assessment would in part be informed by the availability of a sufficient volume of data.  

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