New Fianna Fáil Legislation Aims to Combat Energy Poverty and Reduce Renewable Energy Waste
Published on: 10 October 2024
Since 2018, over €1.7 billion worth of renewable energy has been dumped
Over 1 million people in Ireland could benefit from surplus renewable energy
Fianna Fáil have today published the Energy Poverty Reduction (Use of Surplus Renewable Energy) Bill, which could have a transformative impact on over 1 million people living in energy poverty. The Bill aims to tackle the issue of wasted renewable energy by ensuring it is diverted to assist those most in need.
Energy poverty currently affects more than 550,000 households in Ireland, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute. Simultaneously, hundreds of millions of euros worth of renewable energy is wasted annually as it is produced during periods of low demand on the national grid. There is currently no national strategy in place to address this issue, leading to significant energy being dumped while thousands of families struggle to afford electricity and heating.
The proposed legislation would require the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan to publish a comprehensive strategy within six months, outlining how surplus renewable energy can be harnessed specifically to assist families living in energy poverty. Additionally, the Bill mandates setting specific, time-bound targets for the effective utilisation of surplus energy.
Deputy Paul McAuliffe, co-sponsor of the Bill and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Social Protection, highlighted the urgent need to address energy poverty across the country.
"The fact that over 1 million people in this country are struggling to heat their homes while we waste billions of euros worth of renewable energy is both unacceptable and avoidable. This Bill ensures that surplus energy is not discarded but is instead harnessed to help support families facing high energy costs. With the right strategy, we can tackle energy poverty head-on, and provide a lifeline to those who need it most."
Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, co-sponsor of the Bill and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on the Environment, emphasised the environmental impact of more effectively managing our renewable energy resources.
"Wasting renewable energy is not only a missed opportunity to help vulnerable communities but also a failure to maximise the environmental benefits of clean energy. By ensuring this surplus energy is put to use, we are making Ireland's energy grid more efficient and reducing the environmental impact of wasted resources. This legislation would set clear targets for the future, driving both social and environmental progress for generations to come."
"The Energy Poverty Reduction (Use of Surplus Renewable Energy) Bill, marks a critical step towards a more equitable and sustainable energy system, ensuring that the benefits of Ireland’s renewable energy revolution reach those who need them the most."
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