Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697804541615.pdf (Ireland)
Terms of Reference Microgeneration Working Group 2019 1 Background The Climate Action Plan published in June 2019 sets out Ireland's 2030 ambitions and puts the state on the right trajectory to meet net zero emissions by 2050.

The Plan sets out the necessary policy measures to help meet our 2030 target and will put Ireland on a clear pathway to meeting our 2050 objectives.

This will require both public and private investment, and large societal shifts in technology, attitude and behaviour.
It will also involve a shift in the renewable technologies we support and a shift towards a more distributed generation system, including community participation and a focus on micro generation and the energy ‘prosumer’.

2 Climate Action Plan Actions The All of Government Climate Action Plan will ensure that Ireland will reach our 2030 targets.
One of the Plan deliverables will be the development of a support policy for micro- generation, which will provide a pathway to the public to participate in and benefit from this transition.

Action 30 of the Plan, which includes the establishment of a working group in Q3 2019, sets out the steps necessary and timelines for the delivery of an enabling framework for micro-generation.

It is intended that the working group will be established shortly.
The Plan provides that a support payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all micro-generators by 2021.

As laid out in the Annex of Actions, the ESB Networks (ESBN) and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will assess potential implications for the distribution network of higher penetrations of micro-generation by the end of 2019.
3 Objectives Develop an enabling framework for micro- generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments 4 Membership Membership of the group will be comprised of officials from the following bodies: DCCAE (Chair), CRU, SEAI, DHPLG, ESB Networks, DBEI and DAFM.
5 Work Programme Action 30: Develop an enabling framework for micro- generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments Steps Necessary for Delivery Timeline by Quarter Lead Other Key Stakeholders Establish a working group on micro generation and Q3 2019 DCCAE CRU, SEAI, renewable self-consumption and agree terms of DHPLG, ESBN reference e.g.

appropriate definitions, policy objectives, engage with the CEP transposition project etc.
Begin review of requirements for resolving market Q3 2019 CRU SEMO settlement issues for renewable self-consumers exporting to the grid Conclude review of the current exemptions relating to Q4 2019 DHPLG DCCAE solar panels as provided for in the Planning and Development Regulations, in consultation with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and implement amendments arising from review Determination of appropriate grid connection policy to Q4 2019 CRU ESBN facilitate renewable self-consumers and access for micro-generation.
Assess potential implications for distribution network Q4 2019 ESBN of defined higher penetrations of distributed generators Assess possible support mechanisms for micro- Q1 2020 DCCAE SEAI, DBEI, generation/renewable self-consumption differentiated by segment (public sector, including schools, residential, community, farming, commercial and industrial etc.
), ensuring principles of equity, self- DAFM consumption and ‘energy efficiency first’ are incorporated Public consultation/call-for-evidence on basis of Q3 2020 DCCAE CRU above assessment Assessment of the impact of the current structure of Q3 2020 CRU DBEI, DCCAE electricity bill charges (including PSO and standing charges) on renewable self-consumers and other consumers Functionality to enable smart services in place, Q1 2021 CRU subject to initial review Launch finalised policy and pricing support regime for Q2 2021 DCCAE SEAI micro-generation Action 31: Deliver pilot solar PV micro-generation scheme with a view to commencement of enduring support scheme by 2021 to ensure that people can sell excess electricity they produce back to the grid Steps Necessary for Delivery Timeline by Quarter Lead Other Key Stakeholders Review of scheme (incl.
budget) and potential for Q3 2019 SEAI new technologies and sectors to be included in broadened scope Decision following review of pilot scheme Q4 2019 DCCAE SEAI Allocation of appropriate budget Q4 2019 DCCAE SEAI Action 32: Deliver Smart Metering Programme in line with current planned timelines that will support the market for micro-generation Steps Necessary for Delivery Timeline by Quarter Lead Other Key Stakeholders Commence review of requirements for resolving Q3 2019 CRU market settlement issues for renewables self- consumers Support research and demonstration projects with a Q3 2019 SEAI EirGrid, ESBN focus on enabling the ‘smart home’ (e.g.
demand side management, storage, communication protocols, automated control, etc.)

Working methods/ways of working: • Monthly meetings will be held to discuss progress.

• DCCAE will provide secretariat and chair these meetings.

• Members of the group will be invited to generate agenda topics.

• DCCAE will circulate meeting papers a week before scheduled meetings.

• Non-members (including consultants) may be invited to the group to present etc.

subject to prior approval by the group.