Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
15. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on expected electricity demand and supply for winter 2021 following recent Eirgrid amber alerts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43419/21]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. In relation to this winter, I understand that the key challenge relates to a number of power stations that are not currently in operation due to a combination of planned maintenance and unplanned outages. I am advised by the CRU that due to the expected return of two key gas-fired power stations by November, the outlook for the coming winter is improved.
More specific information in relation to the expected levels of electricity supply and demand for the coming winter will be set out in EirGrid's annual Winter Outlook publication, which I expect to be published in the coming weeks.
