SEAI webinars + podcasts to help small businesses

In September 2022, SEAI introduced a Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG), which provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels so they can generate their own electricity on site. This technology reduces commercial electricity costs and increases security of supply, while enhancing a positive sustainability image. Grants are available for systems up to 6kWp (approximately 16 panels or 25m²) with potential savings of between €2,000 and €3000 on annual electrical costs (depending on installation size and current utility rates).

ESB Networks’ Beat the Peak supports

As part of its “Beat the Peak” campaign, ESB Networks has introduced a number of initiatives to support businesses in beating the energy peak.

Beat the Peak Commercial Active

Beat the Peak Commercial Active is a financially-incentivised initiative to help encourage eligible commercial electricity users to reduce their electricity demand during specific times over the course of the winter 2022 period – Q4 2022 to end of Q1 2023. If this initiative proves to have made an impact on peak electricity demand, it is hoped to apply the learnings, scale up the scheme and run it again across winters 2023/2024 and 2024/ 2025.

Beat the Peak Commercial Pledge

The Beat the Peak Commercial Pledge pilot scheme is open for participation to any small and medium business, or large commercial, semi-state and public sector organisations willing to “pledge” to specific actions or measures to reduce their energy consumption at winter peak times (5pm -

7pm), regardless of their qualification for/ participation in other programmes.

Learn more at ESB Networks website.

SEAI Energy Academy

The SEAI Energy Academy is an online e-learning platform designed to help businesses lower their energy bills by as much as 10% through shared awareness of energy efficiency and behaviour change. It gives access to on-demand energy training on Ireland’s net zero journey; the circular economy; free-upskilling for staff; delivering cost savings; reducing energy waste; and leading sustainable change.

Energy Audit Scheme

Take control of energy use with the Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA). This scheme provides eligible businesses with a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of an energy audit. An energy audit identifies tailored energy saving opportunities that can save businesses up to 30% on energy bills and help to reduce their climate impact. The audit also assesses whether renewable energy technologies are a viable option for the business.

See www.seai.ie

The following is a statement issued by REHVA, the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations, on the measures proposed for the forthcoming revised EPBD.