Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
132. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in light of persistently high household energy costs nationwide, whether he will bring any privately owned energy infrastructure into public ownership and thereby prevent profiteering in the sector. [73225/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
My Department has established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The taskforce's first report set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
There are no plans to bring any privately owned energy infrastructure into public ownership.
