EirGrid has welcomed the publication of the final Price Review 6 (PR6) Determination, the approval for its planned investment to strengthen and build out the electricity grid.
Unprecedented amount of new infrastructure
EirGrid said that the PR6 funding will enable it to deliver an unprecedented amount of new infrastructure over the coming years, supporting the delivery of government policy in key areas such as housing, climate and industry.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published its final Price Review 6 (PR6) Determination, following EirGrid’s initial submission in 2024.
The submission was a result of positive engagement and collaboration with ESB Networks in determining what investment is needed to develop the onshore power system out to 2030, as well as positive engagement with the CRU throughout the process, on the need to support onshore and offshore grid development and the operation of an increasingly complex system.
EirGrid is responsible for balancing electricity supply and demand every minute of the day from the National Control Centre, while also planning for Ireland’s long-term electricity needs. Its costs are approved and overseen in five-year periods through the CRU’s Price Review process.
As part of this process, EirGrid submitted a plan for the PR6 period of 2026-2030, setting out a range of objectives, with emphasis placed on key programmes of work, including:
- Significant investment in technology and people, to support EirGrid’s critical role in operating a secure and reliable electricity system;
- Delivery of a large capital programme of onshore infrastructure, including 29 major projects, with focus on security of supply, unlocking additional electricity capacity and facilitating renewables;
- EirGrid’s new role owning and being responsible for offshore transmission assets;
- Work to ensure that both our grid and market operations are ready to integrate the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France.
'Stronger, more resilient electricity grid'
Michael Behan, chief financial officer at EirGrid, said: “Innovating and investing is key to delivering a stronger, more resilient electricity grid and the PR6 Determination signals the support of EirGrid’s ambitious plans out to 2030, in line with robust accountability and reporting to the CRU.”
Siobhán O’Shea, chief infrastructure officer onshore (interim), said: “It is critical we have a clean, secure power system that supports increasing societal and economic growth.
At EirGrid we’re committed to developing a grid that evolves to meet the needs of communities and businesses for decades to come, and the PR6 Determination is another step forward in ensuring we can deliver.”
EirGrid said its plan builds on progress made in recent years adding significant reinforcements to the transmission system and progressing critical infrastructure projects, supported by investment previously provided through PR5.”