News Update - March

National Energy Demand Strategy

We have published an update to our National Energy Demand Strategy (NEDS). The strategy will enhance Ireland’s energy demand flexibility to support a more sustainable, cost-effective, and secure energy system. It identifies key actions and recommendations, assigned to several stakeholders, that are required to support this goal.

Since publication, the strategy has moved to implementation, incentivising the uptake and diversity of flexibility for energy consumers through appropriate policies, market and standards, as well as enabling products and technologies.

This update is the first in a series of biannual updates that the CRU will publish within the decision. It provides a summary of progress, current priorities, status updates on actions and recommendations, relevant policy developments and sets out the next steps.

Data Centre Connection Policy Proposed Decision Paper

We have set out our draft decision on the rules which will apply to those seeking new connections for data centres. These rules are needed to ensure that data centre development is consistent with maintaining security of our supply, a stable network, and our emissions targets.

We require new developments such as:

• data centres having matching generation at or near the data centre location,
• that generation must be available to the network if required and
• data centres must report annually on their use of renewable energy and emissions.

We are also requiring those who look after the grid, EirGrid Group and ESB Networks, to publish regular information on what areas are constrained or not constrained.

Responses are invited from interested parties until COB Friday, 04 April 2025. Responses to this consultation should be submitted via the consultation portal.

Electricity Networks Incentives and Reporting Information Paper 2023

We published the Electricity Networks Incentives and Reporting Information Paper 2023. This Information Paper sets out the CRU’s assessment of EirGrid and ESB Networks (network companies) performance against the PR5 Incentive and Reporting framework in 2023. It also sets out the CRU’s final decision on financial rewards and penalties for each incentive.

Smart Meter Data Access Code

We published a decision on the Smart Meter Data Access Code (SMDAC). This decision sets out the CRU’s approach to governing the collection, retention, and utilisation of smart meter data. The code sets out how parties can access the data collected by smart meters and the rules around that access. Suppliers and others must comply with the rules set out in the SMDAC and their obligations under data protection regulations before they can access smart meter data.

Phase 2 Offshore Wind – Grid-related Information

We published a decision on grid-related policy that will apply to offshore wind generation projects as they seek connection to the transmission grid under Phase 2 of Ireland’s offshore wind development programme. This decision builds on the existing regulatory policy for Offshore Phase 2, wider Government policy for offshore wind, and the terms and conditions for Ireland’s first Phase 2 Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) auction (Tonn Nua).

This decision aims to reduce the potential for uncertainty being factored into bids by developers in a Phase 2 ORESS auction. This will support a more competitive auction process, thereby minimising the costs to be recovered by Irish consumers through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy.

Consultations

1. Certification Process for High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power

We opened a consultation on proposed amendments to the High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power (HECHP) certification process. This will ensure that the certification framework remains transparent and enables CHP operators to maximise the benefits of high efficiency plants. The responses received from the consultation will help support energy efficiency goals and contribute to a sustainable future for Ireland.

Comments should be submitted via the consultation platform, by close of business on Thursday, 13th March 2025.

2. Sharing of Maximum Export Capacity behind a Single Connection Point

The CRU published a consultation Paper on the Sharing of Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) behind a Single Connection Point. A key barrier to the full implementation of hybrid projects is the inability to dynamically share a contracted Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) between different technology types sharing a single connection point. This paper seeks feedback on the proposal for sharing of MEC by multiple forms of technology or generators behind a single connection point at a co-located hybrid project, without increasing the contracted MEC.

Comments should be submitted via the consultation platform, by close of business on Monday, 14th April 2025.