Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
226. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has evaluated the potential to enact legislation which would divert surplus renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted to homes at risk of energy poverty; if he has met with a charity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11220/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the need for the electricity sector to become more adaptable and flexible in response to the ever-increasing volume of distributed renewable energy sources on the grid and an increasing electricity demand. To ensure reliability in such a distributed energy system, as well as to minimise the network upgrades (and costs for all) needed to accommodate peaks in demand, it will also be vital to align electricity usage with periods of plentiful, low-cost renewable generation. Ireland’s citizens (including energy poor and vulnerable households) can play a central role in this transition by flexibly managing their energy assets in response to the level of renewable energy on the grid and, by doing so, can lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Furthermore, my Department is leading the Cross Government Energy Affordability Taskforce which aims to identify and assess measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. This includes the commitment to explore the methods, including legislation, that can be used to divert surplus renewable energy to homes in fuel poverty.
A key objective of this Taskforce is to develop and publish an Energy Affordability Action Plan which will identify a comprehensive range of solutions, including demand-side solutions for households to allow them to adjust their energy demand and avail of low cost, or otherwise surplus renewable energy. The First Report of the Taskforce was published last November with the Action Plan to be published later this year.
I can confirm that I have met with EnergyCloud and my officials have also met with the company on a number of occasions. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is scheduled to meet with EnergyCloud this week as a follow-up from my most recent meeting with EnergyCloud.
