O’Shea Encourages Medically Vulnerable Households to Avail of Free Solar PV Scheme

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD is encouraging medically vulnerable households who depend on electrically powered medical equipment to check their eligibility for the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers.

The scheme provides free solar PV systems to eligible homeowners who are registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register with their electricity supplier.

The initiative is aimed at households where there is a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including dialysis machines, ventilators, respirators, life-protecting devices and other assistive technologies.

Deputy O’Shea said “I want to highlight this scheme and encourage anyone who may qualify to make sure they are registered with their electricity supplier under the life support category of the Priority Services Register.

“For households that depend on electricity to operate essential medical equipment, having a solar PV system can provide an additional level of energy resilience and can help reduce the pressure of electricity costs.

“This is a very important scheme, but I am conscious that there may be families who are eligible who are not yet aware of it or who have not yet progressed the process.

“If you or a family member relies on life-supporting or essential medical equipment such as a dialysis machine, ventilator or respirator, I would encourage you to contact your electricity supplier and ensure that you are registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register.

“Eligible homeowners should then be contacted by their energy supplier regarding the Solar PV Scheme. If you believe you may qualify but have not heard anything, I would encourage you to contact your energy provider or the SEAI directly to establish your eligibility and see how you can progress the process.

“This is a practical scheme that can make a real difference to families who have no choice but to rely on electricity for essential medical equipment. I would encourage anyone who may qualify to look into it and avail of the support available.”»

Homeowners registered under the life support category of their electricity supplier’s Priority Services Register can qualify for the scheme, subject to the scheme criteria.

The property must have been built and occupied on or before 31 December 2020.

The electricity supplier will issue eligible customers with a letter of interest and assign a Solar PV company to visit the property and assess its suitability for installation.

Where the property is suitable, the Solar PV company will arrange an installation date.

Anyone who believes they are using life-support equipment or other essential electrically powered medical technology should first ensure that they are correctly registered with their electricity supplier under the life support category of the Priority Services Register.

Deputy O’Shea added “I would particularly encourage families not to assume that they are automatically on the register. If you depend on electrically powered medical equipment, contact your energy supplier and check that you are registered under the correct category.

“If you believe you are eligible for the Solar PV Scheme and need assistance in progressing your application or understanding the process, please contact your energy provider or the SEAI.”