CEFOI strongly welcomes the Government proposals for introduction of energy sharing for renewable energy in Ireland. Energy sharing creates potential for wider shared access to renewables, more renewables investment by households and communities, access by renters and apartment dwellers to renewables, and energy sharing for solidarity and addressing energy poverty. Energy sharing provides a role for energy communities to facilitate and build a sense of connection between the people using energy and the source of that energy, building buy-in for the energy transition.

In our Community Energy Federation of Ireland (CEFOI) submission to the Government consultation on the topic, we recommend stronger incentives for local energy sharing in particular, clear supports for non-profit organisations and local authorities to act as Energy Sharing Organisers, and clear protections against energy sharing mechanisms being accessed by sites with on-site fossil fuel generators. We also call for further clarity and a supportive environment as regards smart meter data access, bill-readability and taxation.

The same consultation also calls for submissions on multiple electricity supply contracts. CEFOI propose that this be lower priority relative to energy sharing, and that the simpler single-supplier option be pursued if it is to proceed. We envisage pitfalls to multiple supply contracts potentially disincentivising investment in renewables, and strengthening the ability of for-profit hardware providers and electricity suppliers to lock households into bundled contracts which limit household and community autonomy over time.

CEFOI recommend that the energy sharing mechanisms be prioritised to be implemented first, before multiple supply contracts. Energy sharing provides opportunities for supporting community and household investment in renewables and batteries, and addressing energy poverty, and could have broad participation by renters and apartment dwellers.

CEFOI looks forward to continued engagement with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities as energy sharing mechanisms are further developed.

Here you can read CEFOI’s full energy sharing and multiple supply contracts submission.