We estimate the welfare implications of a cost-reflective 'Coasian' reform of electricity network tariffs using an Irish case study. We find that current Distribution Use of System (DUoS) tariffs deviate considerably from a cost-reflective structure. At the individual level, tariff reform leads...

This paper evaluates the extent with which Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) reflect observed energy used for heating. We use high-frequency smart thermostat panel data in combination with building characteristics and hourly weather information. We exploit variations in boiler operation in...

This research project quantifies the impact of renewable energy policy co-ordination in the Single Electricity Market of Ireland. Renewable energy targets are determined independently by both jurisdictions on the island. To date, renewable electricity targets have been similar in each...

Carbon taxes increase the cost of necessary household energy expenditures. In many developed countries, carbon taxes are regressive as they comprise a greater proportion of a poorer household's income. Certain socioeconomic groups are more negatively affected by these impacts than others. While...

Efficient renewables deployment requires the minimisation of both internal generation costs and external transmission expansion planning (TEP) costs. Competitive pay-as-bid connection auctions allow wind energy generators to reveal their costs of generation such that internal generation costs...

Renewable energy deployment costs comprise both internal generation costs and external locationrelated infrastructure, environmental and social costs. To minimise generation costs, competitive connection contract auctions are becoming increasingly common. Should external costs have considerable...

Effective planning and regulatory processes ensure orderly energy systems. Often, decisions are not made within mandated time frames or discrete consent processes are infrequent. Where multiple consent processes exist in sequence, a given delay may be compounded. These factors can negatively...

Energy subsidies are common. Costs are commonly recovered via an often arbitrarily set uniform consumer levy or electricity price surcharge. We show that an electricity price surcharge is optimal for an Irish case study, despite obvious price distortions. The outcome holds across both first and...

This report - funded by the Community Foundation for Ireland - explores the issue of energy poverty and deprivation in Ireland, once again to the forefront of the policy debate given recent increases in energy prices.

This paper evaluates the predictive power of building energy performance certificates on ex-post home heat loss. Improving the insulative capacity of residential properties is a policy priority in many markets, with building energy performance certificates providing the indicative benchmark. We...