The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks and EirGrid. The CRU is an independent regulator and accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
CRU has published its LEU Connection Policy Decision Paper which will apply solely to data centre connections. The LEU connection policy will provide clarity on connection obligations that will apply to data centres in the short to medium term timeframe. The decision paper set outs a pathway for new applications to connect to the electricity system that addresses security of electricity supply risks, system constraints and promotes renewable energy targets.
Among other matters set out in the Decision, the System Operators will consider the location of the requested data centre connection and associated generation in respect of whether it is in a constrained or unconstrained location of the electricity network. Additionally, a dedicated cross-organisational group, the Urban Capacity Contact Group, has been established to ensure continuity in the provision of connection agreements for housing and enterprise in urban areas and to address any potential risk to customers in constrained areas.
EirGrid regularly reviews forecasted electricity demand for the next ten years through the Generation Capacity Statement and All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment. Similarly, the CRU regularly reviews electricity connection policies to ensure they align with national policy.
Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission System Operators, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions and for which they are accountable to the independent regulator, the CRU.
Each of these organisations have dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matters raised in this question. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with CRU, ESBN and EirGrid directly via oireachtas@cru.ie, oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.ie.
