Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
29. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62489/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year Government launched a package of new supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. These new measures included significant increases in grant supports through the Better Energy Homes (BEH) scheme for homeowners that want to take a step-by-step approach to upgrading their homes, by installing one or two energy upgrade measures at a time. Most notably, a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation was introduced. These enhanced grants focus on low cost, high impact measures, where the balance of the cost to the homeowner is minimal.
- Apply themselves and have the grant refunded once works are complete;
- Apply themselves and have the grant paid to their contractor who can choose to offer them a discount upfront; or
- Apply through a registered Energy Partner who will carry out the works for the homeowner and pass on the grant savings as a discount on the works.
Some of the registered Energy Partners operating under the BEH are also ‘obligated parties’ with legal requirements to help energy users save energy under the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS). The EEOS has been redesigned in response to amendments to EU legislation and climate priorities, with a new scheme being introduced in January 2023. While the changes being introduced place a requirement on obligated parties to help homeowners to achieve a minimum savings uplift to achieve part of their targets, the new EEOS also continues to allow obligated parties to help those carrying out their retrofit through individual and/or shallow measures. That said, should one or more of those companies decide themselves to discontinue their role as an Energy Partner, other Energy Partners remain on the list and continue to offer this service.
My Department and SEAI recognise the valuable role of the Energy Partners to date in helping support homeowners to access energy efficiency measures, by avoiding the need for them to pay the full amount of the works upfront. This is particularly important in light of the current energy crisis, and are committed to protecting this delivery approach.
