The Climate Action Plan 2023 tasked the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, (CRU), with the delivery of a National Energy Demand Strategy, with the aim of 20% to 30% of electricity to be flexible by 2030. Large Energy Users will be expected to make up a higher proportional contribution to the flexibility target, as they are making up a high proportion of the increase in electricity demand. As part of this strategy, the CRU is also undertaking a review of the connection policy for Large Energy Users to the gas and electricity systems. The aim of this review is to provide a new pathway for Large Energy Users to connect to the electricity and gas systems, that minimises the impact on national carbon emissions while also taking account of the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure.
The public consultation period for the Review of Large Energy Users Connection Policy opened on January 15th and closed on March 19th, a three-week extension to the original closing date of February 26th at the request of stakeholders. During this period, the CRU held a stakeholder workshop to allow stakeholders, including market participants and other public sector bodies, with an additional opportunity to provide feedback. Responses to this consultation have since been published by the CRU on their website.
The CRU is currently reviewing all responses received and this work is expected to be completed in 2024.
