Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
131. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on security of electricity supply and whether there will be sufficient electricity generation capacity to meet expected national demand over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33732/23]
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 such 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 emergency generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side flexibility measures.
The CRU published an update on the Electricity Security of Supply Programme of Actions in February which can be found here. www.cru.ie/publications/27388/
Margins are expected to remain tight throughout this year. The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks next 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.
