Great turnout for EirGrid’s energy roadshow

LOCALS attended the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in Carlow recently, where engaged communities across the county heard about the future of the electricity grid.

Led by EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, this free event brought together experts from SEAI (Ireland’s national sustainable energy authority), South East Energy Agency, ESB Networks and Carlow County Council to provide information about home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants, community micro-generation schemes and initiatives to ensure a more sustainable future for Carlow.

Kicking off the evening, Des Cox, senior planning consultant at EirGrid, outlined its plans to ensure the transition to a climate-resilient and environmentally-sustainable Ireland, highlighting the need for renewable energy on the electricity grid, as it will need to carry triple the amount of renewable energy in the coming years in order to meet government climate targets.

Jannette O’Brien, environmental awareness officer with Carlow County Council, highlighted the local authority’s efforts to embark on initiatives to help climate action efforts, including community action funding available to communities, allowing individuals to retrofit their premises and the delivery of community engagement activities, while Jarlath Doyle, area manager from ESB Networks, discussed micro- and mini-generation, outlining to the audience measures such as the installation of solar panels on roofs of homes, businesses or farm sheds.

He also outlined how citizens can be more proactive in taking control of energy use outside peak hours with the use of smart meters, resulting in reductions in their energy bills.

Providing an insightful discussion on the benefits of home energy upgrades and the energy transition, Onyedikachi Onwusor of South East Energy Agency provided information about grants that are available to citizens and highlighted the importance of empowering people to get involved in renewable generation, stating that “communities of active-energy citizens will lead the societal transformation to a low-carbon future”.

Presentations were followed by a robust questions and answers session from attendees, facilitated by local radio broadcaster and Dancing with the Stars judge, Brian Redmond, covering a range of topics such as local infrastructure, regional community grants and microgeneration.