Special measures needed for region’s energy crisis

The CEO of Green Harbour, a major energy solutions company in the Midlands, has called on the Government to introduce a series of special measures for the region to tackle a growing energy crisis.

The call comes as households in the Midlands experience sharp increases in fuel prices, the banning of peat, coal and oil and ongoing increases in carbon taxes.

James Kelly, CEO of Edenderry-based Green Harbour said: “Midlands households will no longer have access to peat which has been used as fuel for generations. Whether they can afford to or not, people are being forced to quickly make the transition to more carbon efficient technologies to heat and insulate their homes. Nobody should face a choice between heating and eating. But that's the stark reality for some in the Midlands facing into the winter.”

The Government has recognised that the Midlands is a unique case and set up a Just Transition Team. A number of worthwhile project have resulted. Much more needs to be done, Kelly says, and it boils down to hard sums.

It costs, on average, €50,000 to carry out a deep retrofit of a home. This can rise significantly depending on the size and age of the house. There are generous grants of up to 80% available for households that are categorised as ‘fuel poor’ or are social housing tenants or are in receipt of certain social welfare allowances.

However, for those who don’t fall into these categories – there is a yawning gap between the grants available – 30-35% - and the full cost of retrofitting their homes. Not many home owners can lay their hands on over €30,000 to bring their homes to the required standard, he says.

Kelly says: “The Government needs to fully understand the unique circumstances and traditions of the Midlands. This will require a number of specific, innovative financial measures for the region. “

Mr Kelly recommends three measures:

*A large increase in the grants available for people who need to make the transition quickly.

*Allow homeowners in the Midlands to write off the cost of energy efficient measures against their Property Tax.

*Provide long term zero or low interest loans that could be aligned with the energy savings accruing to the homeowner over 20 to 30 years.