Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
303. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if Electric Ireland remains part of the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36919/26]
View answer304. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of homes that will benefit from the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36920/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.
The Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies such as dialysis machines and respirators. As such, these households may have a higher energy demand than the average user and this scheme is designed to go some way towards helping to reduce those energy costs.
Over 470 systems were installed last year with expenditure of €2.4 million. This year will see a major expansion of delivery with an allocation of €11.7 million to support over 1,900 homes.
The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with energy suppliers, with each energy supplier contacting their own eligible customers directly, in line with the work plans for their solar PV installers. Eligible households can avail of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system, including survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER. Electric Ireland remains one of the energy suppliers involved in the scheme.
It is important to note that suppliers, who manage the administrative aspects of the scheme under the SEAI, issue offers to eligible homeowners. Each participating supplier received an allocated amount of funding under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI and contacts eligible households in batches, based on operational capacity. The administrative aspects of the scheme are a matter for the energy suppliers under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI. I understand that feedback regarding the need for clarity regarding eligibility and the selection process has been outlined by the SEAI to the energy suppliers.
