Vol. 571 No. 4
344 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he can ensure that the enormous potential for demand site management of electricity is realised in the face of competition to simply produce more and more electricity. [22148/03]
The Commission for Energy Regulation has recently approved a new demand side management scheme that will be in place in time for this winter's peak demand periods. ESB National Grid will operate this scheme which aims to secure a reduction in peak demand of about 200 mw. This represents approximately 5% of the Republic's peak load during the winter period. All customers currently open to competition and who have the appropriate metering will be able to participate in this scheme. This new demand side management arrangement will be running in parallel with the existing ESB winter peak demand scheme.
The CER is also developing new wholesale trading arrangements that are expected to be operational in early 2006. The new trading arrangement will allow for demand side participation which will incentivise customers to reduce demand in response to changing electricity prices. The commission is currently consulting stakeholders on the extent and form of this market feature.
A further aspect of demand side management is in minimising the use of energy through energy efficiency measures or energy conservation. Sustainable Energy Ireland has responsibility for implementing the sustainable energy programme under the national development plan and is currently operating programmes under the energy conservation measure to ensure improved energy efficiency.
