In June of last year, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), which I chair, to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The NEAT continues to work intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Publication of the Action Plan will follow approval by Government. This Action Plan is focused on short, medium and longer term measures to support households and businesses in meeting their energy costs and will be built around 4 key pillars:
• addressing the price of energy;
• sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility;
• addressing energy poverty and customer protections; and
• energy affordability for businesses.
To facilitate this robust and coordinated cross-Government response, a number of NEAT subgroups, including one on energy affordability for business, have been established. The business subgroup brings together officials from a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies. A period of intensive engagement to refine options for consideration by the Taskforce has concluded with each of the subgroups meeting intensively over the past months.
This work has been supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders. This included a targeted stakeholder consultation session with business representative organisations on 9 June. Organisations represented included IBEC, ISME, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland Electrified, and Chambers Ireland.
Through the ‘Easy Wins’ campaign, the SEAI on behalf of my Department, is emphasising accessible, SME-tailored supports that help businesses to adopt approaches and technologies, many of which are low-cost and rapid-payback, and that businesses can implement immediately to reduce energy demand and exposure to price shocks. These schemes include free energy management training and audits as well as very rapid approval grants.
These supports, in combination with immediate tips and advice delivered through multiple channels, allow businesses to develop strategies and understand common approaches to manage and conserve energy without making major investments. These strategies can range from changing of setpoints for heating and cooling, to installation of timeclocks and energy monitors.
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits provides support to fully cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme enables businesses to rapidly identify energy saving measures, giving them a roadmap to save money, including no and low-cost steps that can be taken immediately. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme has been designed for greater accessibility to support small and medium enterprises in Ireland and can give grant approval for a range of ‘off the shelf’ supports in as little as 15 minutes. This scheme is open to all businesses, public sectors bodies, societies and charities and has been growing rapidly since I launched it last year.
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant Scheme provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €162,600 for installations of up to 1000kWp.
The Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme is the longest standing scheme that supports business. It provides grant support for cross-sectoral projects, supporting new approaches to achieving energy efficiency in Irish communities. The CEG Scheme provides funding for a range of improvements to existing buildings, including insulation, heat pump systems, solar PV, energy-efficient lighting, and energy monitors, as well as other energy upgrades.
There is also a range of supports available through the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and its agencies to help businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs. The Energy Efficiency Grant, available through the Local Enterprise Offices, offers 75% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €10,000 and is open to all small businesses with up to 50 employees. This is a great way for businesses to begin their energy efficiency journey.
