Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
56. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clearly outline the Government's plan to ensure security of supply of energy during the winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52261/22]
View answerThe Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator, and my Department. The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; 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. As part of this programme, the Government enacted legislation in July of this year and approved capital funding to support EirGrid’s role in expediting the delivery of temporary generation capacity.
Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
