165. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the analysis of an organisation (details supplied) of surplus grid energy that has taken place; if there is a proposal to make free surplus energy available to targeted customers in energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33507/26]

Imperfections and dispatch down is a major challenge facing electricity systems, like ours, that are increasingly powered by renewables. This complex issue can only be addressed by taking a systematic and multi-faceted approach requiring investment in grid, storage and demand flexibility.

We are already taking steps to invest in this critical energy infrastructure. For example, PR6 will enable the delivery of over 500 capital network projects, supporting the integration of increasing volumes of renewables and helping to reduce the amount of wasted energy. Last July, the Government committed to investing €3.5 billion of NDP funding in EirGrid and ESB Networks in order to ensure that the PR6 infrastructure programme can be delivered.

Also last year, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland which supported the procurement of 500 MW of demand flexibility products by ESBN and 500 MW of long duration electricity storage by EirGrid to meet specific network needs. Work is already underway to ensure the timely delivery of both.

Last June, EirGrid established the Renewable Dispatch Down Working Group. This group is actively working with renewable industry representatives to identify additional actions that could improve levels of ‘dispatch down’.

Demand flexibility can also help to support our transition to a renewables-led energy system. The National Energy Demand Strategy aims to make 20% to 30% of electricity demand flexible by 2030. A key aspect of this strategy is preparing households and businesses to maximise their use of renewables.

Energy Cloud is a privately-organised and funded organisation, and my Department is not in a position to assess savings associated with the programme, or the characteristics of beneficiaries of the programme to date. Officials from my Department have met with Energy Cloud on a number of occasions and will continue to engage with Energy Cloud as well as other relevant stakeholders to identify areas for cooperation in relation to tackling energy poverty and renewable energy waste.

A new Demonstration and Innovation Delivery Programme is under development by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) with the intention of identifying solutions to smart energy challenges, testing applications and assessing impacts. This will be crucial for the successful integration of flexible energy assets in homes, businesses and communities and will ensure that these assets can optimise energy use for consumers, as well as allow consumers to participate in flexible demand management services as these become available. The SEAI’s National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Programme provides a framework for successful applicants to scale their initiatives while also ensuring that the associated results and impacts are identified. On my request, the SEAI has met with Energy Cloud to discuss the possibility of Energy Cloud participating in this Programme.

The National Energy Affordability Taskforce has also been established by my Department to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. It will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households and other vulnerable citizens.

The First Report of the Taskforce set out measures for consideration in the Budget 2026 process. The Taskforce is now focused on the preparation of an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in Q3. The Action Plan will include a review of cost drivers within the energy sector and consideration of measures that benefit households in energy poverty.