Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
212. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications for the warmer homes scheme are taking over two years to assess; if he will provide an update on the measures he has put in place to expedite this process to ensure an early delivery of much needed insulation works to homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 143,000 free upgrades have been supported. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,100.
There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:
- Awaiting the initial survey of their home;
- Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;
- Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or,
- Currently undergoing works.
Activity under the Scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2021, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 26 months. While this delay was largely driven by Covid related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018, also involve more substantive works.
In order to reduce this timeline to completion, the following key actions are being taken:
- The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;
- The number of homes retrofitted under the scheme are due to increase from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month in 2022;
- SEAI has allocated additional staff for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme;
- SEAI is working to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.
Works under the Scheme recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector and activity did ramp up again towards the end of last year. Based on the foregoing, SEAI target clearing the homes currently on the waiting list in approximately 18 months.
In the context of recent increases in energy bills, the Government has announced a package of supports which include:
- a number of other changes to the Warmer Homes Scheme to better target the support available to those most in need in line with commitments set out in the National Retrofit Plan;
- the introduction of an emergency measure which will provide a €200 credit to all domestic electricity accounts;
- increased grants for attic and cavity wall insulation, covering 80% of the cost to homeowners of these highly cost-effective upgrade measures; and,
- a lump sum payment of €125 on the fuel allowance to be paid in early March to 390,000 recipients.
