Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if will provide an update on the commitment in the Energy Poverty Action Plan to introduce a mechanism to ensure homeowners have the option of paying for upgrades “net of grant”, and to explore options to support homeowners to convert from oil and solid fuel to heat pumps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35401/23]
View answerThe Energy Poverty Action Plan recognises that, along with income supports and consumer protection, improving the energy efficiency of our homes is one of the key measures needed to support households at risk of energy poverty. Chapter 2 of the Plan sets out a number of actions that will improve access to and affordability of retrofitting for all households.
In relation to the net of grant action, under the grant schemes that cover part of the cost of upgrades (e.g. Better Energy Homes) homeowners have the options of:
1. Applying themselves and have the grant refunded once works are complete;
2. Applying themselves and have the grant paid to their contractor's bank account, who can choose to offer them a discount upfront; or,
3. Applying through a registered Energy Partner which will carry out the works for the homeowner and pass on the grant savings as a discount on the works.
Options 2 and 3 above recognise that not all homeowners will have the funds available upfront to cover the total cost of the upgrade. SEAI are examining ways in which these processes can be further streamlined and scaled.
In relation to households reliant on oil and solid fuel, officials from my Department and the SEAI are working to identify options to further support these homeowners to convert to heat pumps.
