Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2005
101 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in the view of concerns expressed recently by the British Minister for Energy regarding potential power cuts this winter due to gas shortages and problems with the British wholesale gas market, there are similar expectations for the market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27865/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been apprised of the comments made by the UK Minister for Energy in respect of the outlook for UK gas supplies this winter. Bilateral contact between my Department and the Department of Industry in the UK has clarified that the Minister recently sounded a note of caution for UK businesses that do not book firm gas supplies and capacities in advance. Such businesses may face interruption of supplies in the event of colder than average weather conditions. The choice between booking firm or interruptible gas supplies is a commercial decision for individual businesses.
The UK National Grid's winter outlook report was published last week. It concluded that below average winter weather conditions, gas supplies and power generation capacities are sufficient to meet all demand for gas and electricity. If winter weather conditions are extremely cold, then there is a programme in place in the UK to reduce gas demand without leading to power cuts.
In Ireland, the Commission for Energy Regulation has responsibility for monitoring on an ongoing basis the security of natural gas supply. The commission publishes an annual gas capacity statement. This provides a forecast of capacity, flows and customer demand to assess the adequacy of the Irish gas transmission system. The gas capacity statement also considers whether projected supplies of gas, from indigenous sources, imports and storage, are sufficient to meet forecast demand. A key finding of the 2005 gas capacity statement is that even under unusually cold weather conditions, the Irish gas transmission system should cope with forecast demand.
