147. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if homes should be grant aided to get to the standard of 12 kVA (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60335/26]

The management of, and matters related to, domestic connections to the electricity grid is the responsibility of ESB Networks (ESBN) under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). ESBN and the CRU are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions.

ESBN provide connections designed to handle different levels of electricity usage. When applying for a new connection a customer indicates the maximum electricity demand level that they require. This is written into their connection agreement as the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC). ESBN then design a suitable connection method for the agreed MIC.

The modern standard for a domestic connection is 12kVA. However, some properties have lower-capacity connections as when they were first connected household electricity demand was significantly lower than it is today. These homes were connected when there was less reliance on electricity for heating, transport and other energy-intensive uses.

I am advised that ESBN have an established process for customers seeking to increase the electricity capacity of their connection when their existing supply is no longer sufficient for their needs. The cost associated with increasing the capacity of a domestic connection is paid for by the customer.

My Department actively reviews the supports available to households and works closely with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to ensure that energy upgrades continue to become more affordable and accessible to many more homeowners.

From 2019 to end July 2026, SEAI schemes provided c.€1.9 billion and delivered over 280,300 home energy upgrades, including 38,500 fully funded upgrades to households at risk of energy poverty. These supports are making a greater number of homes more sustainable and energy-efficient, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering energy costs for households.

The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the SEAI for more information on the grant supports that are currently available (oireachtas@seai.ie).