The CRU sets the policies for customers to connect to the Irish gas and electricity networks. Based on the CRU’s policy directions, the System Operators issue connection offers to generators and storage projects. The electricity network&#x27;s Transmission System Operator (TSO) is EirGrid and the Distribution System Operator (DSO) is ESB Networks. The gas network’s TSO and DSO is Gas Networks Ireland.

Generators and storage projects less than or equal to 6kW (single phase) and 11kW (three phase) are classified as micro-generation. Microgeneration can include a number of forms of generating technologies including solar-power photovoltaic panels, small hydroelectric schemes, wind turbines and micro combined heat and power and are subject to the CRU’s relevant policy.Generators and storage projects between 6kW and 17kW (single phase) and 11kW and 50kW (three phase) are classified as mini-generation.In March 2018, the CRU decided on the Enduring Connection Policy – Stage 1 (<a href="https://www.cru.ie/publications/27384/">ECP-1</a>). This set out a connection process for generators and storage providers greater than 11 kW (or 6kW single phase) applying to connect to the Transmission or Distribution system.ECP-1 replaced the previous Group Processing Approach (GPA) system and introduced more regular processing of applications.ESB Networks and EirGrid issued over 120 connection offers during ECP-1 (between 2018 and 2020) with a combined capacity of over 2,250 MW. This resulted in the acceptance of around 80 offers with a combined capacity of over 1,600 MW.The CRU reached a decision on ECP Stage 2 (<a href="https://www.cru.ie/publications/27381/">ECP-2</a>) in 2020. This provided for one application processing batch each year for three years (2021 to 2023) and prioritised large renewable energy projects.ECP-2 also facilitates Government defined community-led renewable energy projects by allocating these separately and by not requiring planning permission to apply for a grid connection.The CRU is currently developing the next stages of the Enduring Connection Process.The CRU reserves the right to direct the system operators to prioritise connections for generation in order to maintain security of supply, should this be required.

Generators and Storage Providers

Following the introduction of national policy on offshore (the Offshore Electricity System Policy Statement, ORESS 1 and the Maritime Area Planning Act) the CRU is developing a new offshore regulatory policy framework. This framework will facilitate the Government target of the connection of at least 5GW of offshore renewable energy generation to the grid by 2030.This framework will evolve over time to reflect the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 3 offshore energy projects as outlined in the Department for Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC)’s <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/5ec24-policy-statement-on-the-framework-for-irelands-offshore-electricity-transmission-system/">Policy Statement on the Framework for Ireland’s Offshore Electricity Transmission System</a>The offshore regulatory framework will include areas such as (but not limited to):<ul><li data-block-key="fc9t6">generator connection and access policy including cost and charging,</li><li data-block-key="4n0bu">the economic regulation of the TSO and offshore asset owner,</li><li data-block-key="98sju">licensing and authorisations, and</li><li data-block-key="5serj">offshore network planning and standards.</li></ul>The CRU has been developing access and <a href="https://www.cru.ie/publications/27223/">charging policies</a> for Phase 1 projects over the past year.

OffShore

An electricity interconnector is an electrical line or cable connecting the electricity transmission systems of two countries allowing them to exchange electrical power. New interconnectors should be built only to the extent that they benefit the public at large. European policy favours further electricity interconnection between Member States.Interconnection provides increased market efficiency, enhanced trading, improved security of supply and reduced curtailment for connected countries.In 2018, the CRU published a new <a href="https://cruie-live-96ca64acab2247eca8a850a7e54b-5b34f62.divio-media.com/documents/CRU18131-Consultation-Paper-Policy-for-Electricity-Interconnectors-Assessment-Criteria.pdf">connection policy</a> to assess electricity interconnection applications on a case by-case basis against a set of high-level assessment criteria.The CRU has also made recent decisions on the <a href="https://www.cru.ie/publications/26176/">Greenlink</a> and <a href="https://www.cru.ie/publications/27315/">Celtic</a> Interconnectors in terms of the cost recovery for both projects.The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is currently updating the National Policy on Electricity Interconnection (2021 Climate Action Plan action 110). Following this, the CRU expects to update its interconnector policy.

Interconnectors

Parties who have a statutory right to be connected to the transmission or the distribution system also have a right to refer a dispute they may have with the system operators to the CRU for resolution.Disputes may relate to a connection request refusal, the terms of a connection offer, the charges proposed or other matters relating to the connection.The CRU has a process in place for dealing with disputes efficiently and fairly. The <a href="/documents/27583/CRU-Information-Note-Section-346-Dispute-Guidelines.pdf">Dispute Guidelines</a> describe the procedure used by the CRU to accept and determine disputes.The <a href="https://www.cru.ie/publications/22230/">Dispute Summary Document</a> must be completed as part of the initial dispute submission.

Disputes

All dispute submissions must be made in writing and submitted via email to section34disputes@cru.ie or by post to Section 34 Disputes, Commission for Regulation of Utilities, The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24.The CRU aims to resolve disputes within a two-month period in line with Statutory Instrument no 60 of 2005.In order to meet this deadline, the CRU requires the co-operation of all parties to the dispute in providing timely and comprehensive information.

Network Connections

Gas

Electricity

CRU Regulations and Policy