A framework for enabling energy sharing is laid out in the Electricity Market Design Directive (EMD) (Directive 2024/1711). Under Article 15a “right to energy sharing”, all households, SMEs and public bodies will have the right to participate in energy sharing as active customers. Under this Article active consumers will be able to share energy either through direct private agreements (peer-to-peer), or through a third party or energy sharing organiser.
On 7 January 2026, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities published a Call for Evidence on a Conceptual Design Paper for Energy Sharing as well as on Article 4 of the Directive pertaining to consumers having multiple electricity supply contracts. The purpose of the paper is to set out initial consideration or potential high-level solutions to these activities, seeking feedback from interested stakeholders. The potential benefits of energy sharing, including the empowerment of energy communities, are also examined in the paper. This Call for Evidence has since closed and it is expected that its findings will be published by the CRU in due course.
My officials are working closely with the CRU, ESB Networks, and other stakeholders to ensure that transposition is well grounded in the context of the Irish electricity market and will bring the full benefit of these new provisions and market activities to Irish consumers.
