Reliance on imported power is having a 'devastating impact' on family finances

Ireland’s reliance on imported power is creating financial pressure on local families. A local Fine Gael councillor calls for stronger national supports to accelerate alternatives, especially rooftop solar, while offshore wind plans remain far off. Rooftop solar is presented as a practical and scalable interim solution that can help households generate clean power, cut bills, and reduce exposure to international energy volatility. A motion passed at Wexford County Council urges the government to increase the domestic solar PV grant, extend it to include storage, broaden eligibility, and examine redirecting existing energy-support funding. Expanding rooftop solar is expected to lower bills, reduce imported electricity dependence, create local jobs, and improve energy system resilience.

"Ireland's continued reliance on imported power is having a devastating impact on the finances of local families. That's according to local Fine Gael councillor Robbie Staples, who is calling for stronger national supports to accelerate alternatives, such as solar power. Cllr Staples pointed to a recent ESB presentation to Wexford County Council, which outlined Ireland's continued reliance on imported power and the resulting financial pressures facing local families."

""Families want to generate their own clean power, cut their bills, and reduce their exposure to international energy volatility," Cllr. Staples said. "But the current level of support simply isn't enough to make solar a realistic option for many homeowners.""

"At a recent meeting of Wexford County Council, Cllr Staples saw a motion passed which called on the government to increase the domestic solar PV grant and extend it to include storage, ensure a broader eligibility and examine the potential to redirect existing energy-support funding."

""People across Wexford are worried about the future of energy costs and the stability of supply," he concluded. "By strengthening supports for domestic solar, the Government can give families real control over their energy use while helping Ireland meet its climate and security targets.""

Read at Irish Independent