CRU launches consultation on the future structure of electricity network tariffs

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has launched a public consultation as part of Phase 1of its Electricity Network Tariff Structure Review (ENTSR).

This is the first comprehensive review of electricity network use of system tariff structures in Ireland since the introduction of the current framework in 2000.

It takes place against a backdrop of significant change across Ireland's electricity system, including increasing electrification; rising demand from electric vehicles; heat pumps and large energy users; greater levels of renewable generation and substantial planned investment in electricity network infrastructure.

Electricity network charges recover the costs of building, maintaining and operating Ireland's transmission and distribution networks and account for approximately 25% of a typical domestic electricity bill.

As network investment increases to support Ireland's climate and energy objectives, the CRU will ensure that tariff structures continue to support the efficient use of the electricity network and help deliver a least-cost energy transition.

The ENTSR will not review the overall level of network investment, which is determined through the Price Review process, but will examine how network costs will be allocated and then recovered across electricity users.

Commenting on the consultation, CRU Director of Networks and Economic Regulation, Dr Karen Kavanagh said: "Ireland's electricity system is undergoing rapid transformation as we move towards a low-carbon future.

“Network tariffs play an important role in ensuring the costs of operating and expanding the electricity network are recovered fairly and efficiently.

“This review will examine how tariff structures can continue to support consumers, network users and the wider energy transition while helping to deliver the lowest overall cost of meeting electricity demand."

Commission Chair, Fergal Mulligan, said: "The way we generate and use electricity today is very different to when the current tariff framework was introduced more than 25 years ago.

"This review will help ensure tariff structures support a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system while providing the right signals for consumers and businesses in the years ahead."

Electricity network tariff structures are deeply embedded throughout the electricity sector, underpinning revenue recovery, supplier systems, billing arrangements and customer interactions.

Recognising the scale and complexity of tariff reform and based on International best practice, the CRU is taking a phased approach to the review.

Phase 1 of the review focuses on establishing the foundations of the review, including the objectives, principles and scope of the review, alongside consideration of high-level tariff design choices.

Since restarting the ENTSR in September 2025, the CRU has issued a supplementary call for evidence, further to the 2021 ENTSR call for evidence, published a Summary of Responses to these calls for evidence, and carried out reviews of relevant developments since 2021 and international experience on network tariff reform.

More detailed tariff design options and impact assessments will be developed and consulted upon in subsequent phases.

The CRU emphasised that while a phased approach is necessary to deliver robust and enduring outcomes, it remains committed to progressing the review at pace and will explore opportunities to accelerate elements of the programme where appropriate.

The consultation is open to all interested stakeholders, including electricity customers, industry participants, consumer representatives, network operators, businesses and members of the public.

Responses to the consultation can be submitted through the CRU consultation portal here until 22 October 2026.

ENDS