Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
215. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that have been taken, in view of warnings from EirGrid in its Generation Capacity Statement in relation to forthcoming serious electricity supply shortfalls, to ensure the country produces sufficient electricity to meet demand, particularly for winter 2023-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/23]
View answer220. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what actions have been taken, in light of warnings from EirGrid in its Generation Capacity Statement about forthcoming serious electricity supply shortfalls, to ensure the country produces sufficient electricity to meet demand, particularly for winter 2023-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13952/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 220 together.
The 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 years.
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. In February 2023, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website.
Margins are expected to remain tight in Winters 2022/23 and 2023/24. The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this and next winter and lower peak demand during these periods.
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.
