New law will allow private wires to free up electricity connection
ESB Networks is currently the only operator legally permitted to manage electricity connections.
It installs and owns the cables and wires.
The semi-state company is under significant pressure as demand for power grows, with delays in connections frustrating businesses and domestic customers.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien announced yesterday that a parallel system had been agreed that would operate alongside ESB Networks.
Legislation to underpin it would be given priority status, with drafting to begin shortly and enactment expected within 12 months.
The law will put the energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), in charge of administering private-wires applications.
The plan brought to Cabinet highlights several scenarios where it envisages private wires will be frequently sought.
A 'generator' such as a wind farm or solar park could provide a direct connection to an adjacent factory without both sides having to connect to the national electricity grid.
An existing generator will be able to share its grid connection with a new generator from another firm, saving the new installation waiting for a separate connection.
A firm that supplies its own electricity – from a rooftop solar array, for example – will be able to provide electricity directly to a neighbouring customer.
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An EV owner will be able to lay their own cable for on-street charging – subject to planning permission.
Mr O'Brien stressed the new system would not grant participants any automatic rights of access over third-party lands and that planning permission would still be required for most installations.
I will also ensure that the CRU is resourced to take on this area
However, he said it would enable a faster, more flexible response to the needs of a growing economy.
'This is a very significant reform of the rules on electricity infrastructure,' he said. 'I, and officials in my department, are now focused on the next steps.
'Primary legislation to amend the Electricity Regulation Act allowing for private wires will be enacted.
'Supporting regulations to define standards and processes for granting permission for private wires will be adopted.
'I will also ensure that the CRU is resourced to take on this significant new area of regulation.'
The move followed a consultation with industry and the wider public last year and was supported by ESB Networks.
The department said the current system would remain the preferred route to connection in most cases.
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