We must be practical and flexible to deliver greater energy efficiency in Ireland

Energy efficiency has become a central focus for both homeowners and businesses in recent years as society responds to the growing concerns of climate crisis and the volatility of energy prices, writes Teresa Purtill, Director of Services and Solutions, Bord Gáis Energy.

Customers are more alert to how they use energy and there is a growing awareness of the supports through which they can be more energy efficient such as the grants available for upgrades and retrofits to homes and businesses.

Government has reinforced its commitment to provide financial assistance to homeowners seeking to make their property more energy efficient in a bid to reduce carbon emissions and to help families save on rising energy bills. This drive is delivering results. The significant yearly increase in home energy upgrades recorded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) speaks to the heightened desire among businesses and consumers to seek energy efficiencies and upgrades.

And the industry and suppliers are also prioritising efforts to deliver in this regard for customers. At Bord Gáis Energy, we have been playing our part in energising a greener, fairer future. We recently launched our One-Stop Shop service, recognised by the SEAI, which aims to support our 730,000 customers in decarbonising their homes and work towards reaching net zero by 2050; and as a business, our commitment is to reach net zero by 2040, five years earlier than originally planned.

The progress by consumers, Government and industry is part of a bigger ambition which is accelerated by the significant EU targets to reduce overall energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This heightens the focus on energy efficiencies in Ireland and across the EU through the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the subsequent new Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme. While these energy targets are welcome, it is important that the cost and the delivery of the infrastructure and tools to achieve energy efficiencies are shared between Government and suppliers.

Flexibility for suppliers who are already making strides to support energy efficiency as well as security must be built into the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme, so that measures and initiatives already introduced by suppliers qualify to meet the obligations and continue supporting customers.

We believe in leading from the front when it comes to driving sustainable habits around energy consumption. In addition to supporting customers through the One Stop Shop service, Bord Gáis Energy expects customers to be powered with indigenous renewable generation by 2030. Solar energy will be an important component of delivering greater energy efficiency, as will offshore wind energy in securing our energy future.

In November 2024, we announced the acquisition of solar PV installation company Swyft Energy in order to expand our solar offering to customers. The aim is to install 12,000 new solar installations over the next five years. With Bord Gáis Energy and Swyft Energy combining to bring a great product to the market, delivered by a highly skilled and talented workforce committed to excellent customer service, we are confident of expanding our presence in this key green energy segment.

We are proud to partner with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), supporting farmers in becoming more sustainable and energy efficient through the installation of rooftop solar. Our partnership with the IFA is now in its third year and has proved extremely successful. One installation has the potential to deliver average cost savings for a farmer of €4,000 to €6,000 over a two-to-four-year period, and up to €200,000 over 30 years. It also means farmers can save around five tonnes of CO2 each year.

Reaching climate targets and reducing consumption of energy is a collective effort and the momentum is picking up pace in Ireland and across the EU, but we must strike the right balance to sustain this. With the Energy Efficiency Directive incoming, the model to reduce consumption must be built on practicalities and affordability in order to reach our climate targets and deliver results.

Teresa Purtill
Director of Services and Solutions
Bord Gáis Energy

W: www.bordgaisenergy.ie