Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
87. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on security of electricity supply; 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. [36214/23]
View answer88. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the back-up generation capacity of large energy users represents a mitigation measure in terms of addressing national security of electricity supply risks over the coming winters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36215/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 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 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 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/.
Supply 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.
EirGrid operates a Demand Side Unit (DSU) initiative for medium to large electricity users as part of their Demand Side Management programme. This initiative utilises large energy users ability to reduce demand during periods of system constraint helping to relieve pressure on the grid. The DSU initiative provides a crucial building block to manage demand as the electricity sector transitions to higher levels of variable renewable generation.
Additionally, EirGrid and ESB-Networks operate a Mandatory Demand Curtailment (MDC) Process that is applicable to all demand customers connected at 110kV and above. In the event of a System Emergency Status (Red Alert) the Transmission System Operator (TSO) may request or instruct the Distribution System Operator (DSO) that MDC be instructed to relevant Demand customers, in accordance with the Distribution System Load Operator Load Shedding Plan. Customers that receive an MDC instruction and who have not complied with that request within the applicable timeframe (minimum of 60 minutes) may be prioritised for disconnection in advance of the implementation of emergency load shedding or planned rota load shedding.
This approach furthers the objectives set out in the Distribution Code as this customer group will have the most significant impact on reduction of Demand, whilst at the same time minimising wider customer impact through reducing the number of affected customers and taking into account the on-site generation capabilities of Large Energy Users.
While this policy sets out the intended approach, it is noted more generally that the DSO reserves the right to disconnect Demand customers to protect the electricity system, in accordance with their license obligation and the requirements of the Grid Code and Distribution Code.
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.
