Electric Ireland’s decision to cut the rate it pays to households for excess electricity generated from solar panels has been described as a retrograde step by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said:
“It is extremely disappointing to see Electric Ireland reduce its microgeneration export tariff rate, from 21 cent per kilowatt hour to 19.5 cent, which is now lower than some of its main competitors.
“The new tariff comes into effect this month, despite a previous pledge from the company that there were no plans for such a reduction.
“At a time when we urgently need to ramp up the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to meet our climate targets, this seems like a very backward step by a State-owned company.
“In fact, in its national energy projections report this week, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) warned that Ireland is not on course to meet its legally binding climate and energy obligations by 2030.
“Solar energy has the potential to help Ireland cut our carbon emissions, while significantly reducing bills for households and businesses. The Government should be trying to incentivise people to have solar panels installed on their homes by keeping the microgeneration export tariff rate attractive, instead of allowing Electric Ireland to reduce it.
“Yet again, we see little evidence of the rooftop revolution that Minister Eamon Ryan likes to talk about.”
November 6, 2024