Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
207. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of contracting companies that are awaiting entry into the "One Stop Shop" under the home energy upgrade scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50218/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that have been approved for a home energy upgrade under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50219/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications of the projects approved under the home energy upgrade the average grant awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications of the projects approved under the home energy grade the type of grant upgrade that has been requested more than others under the home energy upgrade scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 208, 209 and 210 together.
In February this year, Government approved the establishment of the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS). This Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades.
SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
There are 12 One Stop Shops registered and SEAI is supporting another 10 organisations through the registration process. Once a company successfully passes the two-stage registration process and the SEAI recommendation is approved, an appointment letter is issued to them.
Under the NHEUS, homeowners engage an SEAI registered One Stop Shop (OSS) to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Homeowners and their OSS agree a contract whereby works must be completed by the OSS within 12 months. To date, 645 homes have been approved for One Stop Shop home energy upgrade grants. This points to a strong pipeline of works for the coming months under the scheme.
The cost of bringing an individual home to a Building Energy Rating (BER) B2 is determined by a number of factors including the size and type of home as well as the starting condition of the home. The Department estimates that the cost can range from €14,000 to €66,000.
The types of works applied for, and the grant support available, under the Scheme are informed by the Home Energy Assessment undertaken by the One Stop Shops. Most recent figures from SEAI show the average OSS home energy grant offer is €20,500, however it is important to note that this average may fluctuate depending on the applications submitted to the SEAI. Feedback from the SEAI shows that measures most requested to date are windows, doors and heat pumps.
