Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
96. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific measures his Department has in place to deal with blackouts and brownouts for each specific delegated function under his Departmental remit; the costs of same, in tabular form; and the status of preparedness for each measure. [43432/22]
View answerThe public sector achieved its 2020 target to achieve a 33% energy efficiency improvement compared to an overall economy target of 20%. There is a requirement now for the public sector to continue its leadership role in reducing energy use. Under the National Energy Security Framework, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Office of Public Works have developed and are delivering an energy efficiency campaign for public bodies. Participating organisations will be supported with energy awareness resources which can typically deliver 5 to 10% energy savings. To date, over 100 of the 350 State bodies signed up to participate in the campaign.
Under the Electricity Regulation Act, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has responsibility for ensuring security of electricity supply and is directly responsible for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas. In September 2021, the CRU published a programme of actions to provide additional stability and reliance to the Irish energy system over the next four to five years, with the support of Eirgrid and my Department. The programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply-side mitigation measures to address any potential shortfall. The actions include: procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; and improved demand-side measures. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website.
Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.
