Energy Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024

Thursday, 25 January 2024

Questions (146)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the review by the CRU of gas and electricity connection policies for new large energy users; for details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the CRU in the carrying out of the review; the timeline for the completion of the review and publication of the new decisions on the rules for future gas connections of large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

As part of implementing the Climate Action Plan, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is conducting a review of the of electricity and gas connections policy for large energy users. The CRU published a Call for Evidence in  June 2023 which ended in August 2023. Following this, the CRU on the 15 January 2024 published a consultation paper on Review of Large Energy Users connection policy (CRU2024001). Responses have been invited to this consultation which ends on Friday, 26 February 2024.

From the outset this process the CRU has engaged closely with my Department, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, the Industrial Development Authority, and other relevant stakeholders.  Following completion of this consultation process, CRU has indicated that it will publish new decisions on the rules for future gas connections of large energy users.  This work is expected to be completed in 2024.

Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 141.