Electricity Interconnectors
In order to construct or reconstruct an electricity interconnector, a person must have an authorisation from the CRU to Construct or Reconstruct.
Our Role
It is the CRU’s role to grant, monitor the performance of, modify, revoke and enforce Authorisations to construct or reconstruct an electricity interconnector.
This role is set out in the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended.
How to Apply
Pre-submission meeting
We recommend pre-submission meetings for new applicants or applicants with novel or complex applications.
At this meeting, the CRU will set out the application and assessment process. We will also answer your questions after you have reviewed the guidance notes and application forms.
You can email us to set up a pre-submission meeting: licensing@cru.ie
Guidance notes
Read the Guidance Notes before you prepare and submit your application. They will help make sure we can assess your application efficiently. The Guidance Notes detail:
- the information and supporting documents needed for a valid application
- a useful FAQ
- a completeness check to use before submitting your application
You can find the completeness check in Appendix I of the Guidance Notes. It details the information and supporting documents required for a valid application. Use this to check your application before submission.
Guidance Notes - Interconnectors
Please note that Guidance Notes are updated regularly. Applicants should always use the most recent version from the website. Last updated: August 2020.
Application Form
Application Form for an Authorisation to Construct an Interconnector
Please note that application forms are updated regularly. Applicants should always use the most recent version from the website. Last updated: August 2020.
Application fees
The fee for an application for an Authorisation to Construct an Interconnector is €20,000.
Enforcement
A person who constructs an interconnector without an Authorisation is liable to a fine of up to €127,000.
These powers are set out in Section 16 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 as amended.
Interconnector operator licence
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) also grants licences for the operation of electricity interconnectors.
Interconnector operating licences are granted to parties who have been issued an authorisation to construct electricity interconnectors to operate the same interconnector.
The CRU will inform eligible parties of the application process for an Interconnector Operator licence at the appropriate time.