Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe has today introduced a Bill designed to address the issue of energy poverty using surplus renewable energy. The Energy Poverty Reduction (Use of Surplus Renewable Energy) Bill 2024 seeks to harness surplus renewable energy and ensure that it is utilised effectively.
Deputy McAuliffe said, “This Bill is trying to adopt a more strategic approach to energy management. Data from EnergyCloud suggests that approximately €1.95 billion of renewable energy has been dumped in Ireland since 2017. Harnessing this energy effectively can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help those who live in energy poverty, which affects more than 550,000 households in Ireland.
“It is estimated that 2.187 billion tanks of hot water could have been heated with the surplus renewable energy since 2017. A scheme in 2023 provided a free tank of hot water on 117 nights to families affected by fuel poverty in Ireland and there is huge potential for this to be expanded.''
The Bill requires the Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications to develop and publish a comprehensive strategy within six months. The strategy will set specific, time-bound targets for the use of surplus energy, particularly for the benefit of those experiencing energy poverty.
Deputy McAuliffe concluded, "My proposed legislation has the potential to transform the lives of many Irish families struggling with energy poverty by providing them with access to renewable energy that otherwise would be wasted and represents a significant step towards a fairer and more sustainable Ireland.
"With Ireland's renewable energy sector continuing to grow, we must ensure that all citizens benefit from this progress, particularly those in energy poverty.''
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