Review of Large Energy Users Connection Policy

The CRU has today, 18 February 2025, published a proposed decision paper on the Large Energy Users connection policy (CRU202504).

The purpose of this proposed decision paper is to set out a potential pathway for connection applications for new data centre customers to the electricity grid with due regard to security of supply and network constraints while minimising, where possible, potential impacts on national renewable energy targets and carbon emissions.

Ireland has ambitious targets for renewable energy production and has had significant success in the delivery of renewable energy projects to date. The scale of these targets is a strong signal of Ireland’s potential to become a global leader in renewable energy production. Ireland is also a world leader in digital technologies, and the R&D and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and ICT infrastructure and devices. Many data centres have invested in setting up and expanding their operations in Ireland, providing employment opportunities and data services for other enterprises.

In recent years, there has been a step-change in electricity demand growth driven by Large Energy Users (LEUs), largely driven by the increase in data centre developments. The electricity consumption used by data centres rose from 5% of Ireland’s total demand in 2015 to 21% in 2023, accounting for 85% of the overall electricity demand growth.

The CRU published a consultation paper (CRU2024001) in 2024 on the Review of Large Energy User Connection Policy. The outcome of this work will inform any resulting CRU decision, including any new direction under Section 34 of the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, that will apply to all new connection contracts for new or additional capacity captured under the scope of the decision.

Responses are invited from interested parties on this proposed decision until COB Friday, 04 April 2025. Responses to this consultation should be submitted via the consultation portal here. The feedback from the proposed decision will inform a decision to be published later in 2025.

Read the policy here.