Homeowners face longer waiting time for retrofitting due to high number of applications

Last year, there were more than 53,000 home energy upgrades “supported” in Ireland by the SEAI, according to department figures.

New applicants for retrofitting under the Warmer Homes Scheme “may face longer waiting times” due to the high number of applications, the minister for the environment has said.

Darragh O’Brien said the waiting time for the scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reduced significantly between 2022 and 2024, but increased applications and the increased number of “deeper retrofits” could add to the time households were waiting.

Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, free energy upgrades are given to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments such as the fuel allowance or domiciliary care allowance.

It prioritises the oldest and least energy efficient homes, and aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of the home.

Last year, €230m was spent under the scheme, resulting in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households. The Government has given a budget allocation of €230m for the scheme this year.

Mr O’Brien said the scheme had been delivering a “greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades” in recent years.

In response to a recent parliamentary question, he said: “This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades, which has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €27,700 in 2024.

“While these deeper retrofits take longer to complete, significant reductions in the average waiting time have still been achieved. The average wait time reduced from 26 months in 2022 to 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G upgraded in 2024.” 

The minister said this reduction on waiting times came on foot of a range of measures introduced by the SEAI and his department.

However, given the very high number of applications and greater volume of deeper retrofits provided under the scheme, the SEAI is projecting that new applications may face longer waiting times.

“My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of free energy upgrades, thereby minimising waiting times.” 

In Cork, some residents are waiting up to 15 months to even reach the initial stage of having their home’s energy grade assessed, the Dáil recently heard.

Mr O’Brien said he was “looking at options” to speed up this process, with “private assessors and all of those types of things” on the table.

The Warmer Homes scheme is one of several administered by the SEAI, which also includes grants available to homeowners to retrofit their home.

Last year, there were more than 53,000 home energy upgrades “supported” in Ireland by the SEAI, according to department figures. This was an increase from 47,953 in 2023, which was itself a massive jump from the 27,200 conducted in 2022.

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Last week, the Government launched a new scheme aimed specifically at businesses to help them reduce energy costs and emissions.

It said the schemes were open to all businesses and public bodies which were upgrading a building they own or occupy.