As described in the Greenpeace film, What Are We Waiting For? the sustainable renewables-based electricity system which we will have to convert to will almost certainly be based on decentralised generation.  Logically, local government should have a significant role in this, as it already does in many countries. 

In order to facilitate the move to decentralised generation, the
electricity grid will have to work differently.  If you generate
electricity from solar panels or a small wind turbine, you will at
times generate more than you can use.  You should be able to sell it
into the grid, running your meter backwards.  Unfortunately, you can’t
do that in Ireland at the moment.  Below is my submission to the CER in
response to their recent consultation on micro-generation

From: David Healy / Daithí Ó hÉalaithe [mailto:verdire@eircom.net]
Sent: 10 November 2006 15:26
To: ‘info@cer.ie’; ‘phogan@cer.ie’
Subject: Comments on Micro-generation consultation

Paul, a chara,

I am writing as Chair of the Energy Action Team of Fingal County Council (and also as Chair of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee in Fingal County Council).

I have just heard of this consultation and therefore have not had an opportunity to put this before the full Development Board or SPC.  Therefore the views expressed below are my own, although I’m not aware of any contrary views in either organisation.

Fingal Development Board has set up an Energy Action team which is looking at the area both within the County Council and within the County as a whole.

Micro-generation is capable of playing, and, with the right regulatory conditions, likely to play a significant role in meeting Fingal’s energy needs.  In the interests of sustainable development and in particular reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy security, we hope to encourage micro-generation.  The appropriate incentives and institutional frameworks in the energy sector are essential. 

The consultation document unfortunately, proposes an instutional framework would would act as a disincentive to micro-generation.  I feel that this is directly contrary to the stated intention of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy security.  Net metering should be the minimum offer to micro-generation.

Is mise, le meas,

David Healy

Councillor David Healy
Green Party/Comhaontas Glas
Howth ward / Dublin North East
 
www.davidhealy.com
01 8324087
54, Páirc Éabhóra, Beann Éadair
54, Evora Park, Howth