Entrepreneurs could be turning a profit by selling surplus power back to electricity suppliers under the Government’s home generation scheme, it emerged today.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan has called on 4,000 farmers and householders to build miniature windmills, water wheels and rooftop solar panels to feed power back to the ESB, and sell it for more than the energy giant charges.
Micro-generators are being offered 19 cent per kilowatt per hour, up to 5c more than it costs to power homes, for any surplus power they sell back over the next three years.
Mr Ryan said the initiative may also help bring household electricity bills down.
“All our farms and houses can be micro-generators. We can use our abundant natural resources to bolster the economy, create green-collar jobs and reduce carbon emissions at the same time,” he said.
“Every year, we send €6 billion out of this country on fossil fuels.
“This type of generation will help reduce this dependence and this outflow of money. We do not want to be dependent on Russia or Saudi Arabia for our energy needs; we can supply our own.”
The first 4,000 homes to join the micro-generation scheme, supported by Sustainable Energy Ireland and originally announced last year, will be guaranteed the 19c rate for the first three years.
Small scale, low carbon power generators are also exempt from planning permission and Mr Ryan’s department said it will work with officials in the Department of Environment to support the scheme.
The home power scheme is the latest initiative aimed at bringing down energy costs.
Bord Gáis has vowed to undercut ESB prices by 10 per cent while Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Mr Ryan have called on the Regulator to enforce a double digit percentage fall in prices.
Mr Ryan added: “We are changing the rules and changing the nature of electricity generation in Ireland.
“Before, you received your power from a central source and paid for it. Now you can generate for yourself and be paid for the excess you don’t use.
“This type of on-site electricity generation will boost the rural economy. It will put more money into consumers’ pockets. This type of long-term investment with a guaranteed return, represents the best value for spending and lending.”
PA