Energy Security Framework only a first step in responding to energy crisis

Government’s Energy Security Framework only a first step in responding to the energy crisis

 

Friends of the Earth has welcomed the publication today of the Government’s new National Energy Security Framework, but cautioned that it is only one step in the emergency response we need to the crisis in fossil fuel prices, pollution and supply. Today’s announcement includes a package of measures and plans designed to improve security and reduce energy price, but much work remains to be done according to the campaign group.

Commenting, Jerry Mac Evilly, Head of Policy in Friends of the Earth, said:

“We welcome the Government’s recognition that enhancing Ireland’s energy security must focus on protecting those at risk of energy poverty and on actively reducing overall demand for gas.

“Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, energy prices were rising and we faced the imperative to cut energy pollution radically and rapidly to contain climate breakdown. The gas crisis and Russian invasion has only served to highlight the dangers of our fossil fuel dependence and the need for further coordinated action to help those struggling to pay their bills.

According to Friends of the Earth progressive measures in today’s package include:

• the introduction of a new scheme for installation of solar panels for at-risk groups
• increased support for customers in debt
• protections against disconnections, and
• new regulatory options to get fossil fuels out of home heating.

But Mr Mac Evilly urged the Government to take further action quickly:

“But this must only be the beginning. We need priority retrofitting and solar panels for those in social housing and those at risk of energy poverty. The Government should mandate the SEAI to achieve 100,000 insulation upgrades this year (even if this means a reduced number of deep retrofits) to ensure as many households as possible are shielded from the worst effect of the gas crisis this coming winter.

“The Government must also urgently remove the need for planning permission for solar panels on schools and other community buildings. The Department of Housing has been stalling on this simple move for over three years.

“Moreover, bringing Ireland’s data centre policy into line with climate and energy risks is essential. And as a public communications programme to inform consumers how to reduce demand and lower bills is a potentially impactful measure.

“However, as the Government develops further measures, it’s essential that Government consults with relevant environmental and anti-poverty groups immediately to ensure responses are tailored to those most in need and in line with our climate obligations."

On the move away from fossil fuels more generally, Mr Mac Evilly commented:

“We particularly support the Government’s commitment to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels by actively reducing demand. Merely replacing one avenue for imported fossil fuels with another, such as LNG, does not necessarily improve security and risks locking Ireland into longer term dependence on expensive, polluting fossil fuels.

“It’s never been clearer that we need to ‘plug the hole’ when it comes to energy, not demand a bigger ‘fossil fuel tap’. We are also calling on Government to ensure its ongoing energy security review supports and builds on this latest Framework’s prioritisation of measures to reduce gas demand while protecting those at risk of energy poverty. Policies and measures to save energy and reduce demand must be prioritised in the energy security review as they will permanently enhance our national security, reduce emissions and protect households from rising energy costs. The review must also further progress the Government’s moratorium on LNG.”

 

ENDS