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Oireachtas Committee For Energy Security Meeting To Discuss Concerns Around Blackouts This Winter

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Commission for the Regulation of Utilities said it became clear in late 2020 and early 2021 that there were security of supply risks.

An Oireachtas committee about energy security is under way today, where the Environment Minister, Eirgrid, and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities will address growing concerns over electricity supplies.

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities will tell the Committee how it is working to bring new generation capacity onto the grid.

They will also state that it became clear in late 2020 and early 2021 that there were security of supply risks.

They will say they are trying to mitigate this through the delivery of at least 2,000 megawatts of enduring gas generation capacity, the retention in service of older generators and the provision of Temporary Emergency Generation.

Last week, Eirgrid launched a stinging attack on the CRU declaring its system a “failure” and “not fit for purpose”.

The Committee is set to run throughout this afternoon, speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin commenmted: “Concerns around Ireland’s energy security have increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"There are now fears of supply restrictions and even blackouts this winter," he said.

“It is critical that Government, the CRU and the energy sector working together do everything they can to ensure that we have a secure energy supply through the winter months and beyond.

"It is also critical that the most vulnerable are protected and energy cost increases are kept to a minimum.

“The Committee looks forward to hearing from Minister Ryan, Eirgrid and the CRU on how the State is planning to secure energy supply, manage demand, and ensure sufficient electricity generation capacity in the months and years ahead, particularly given the supply issues and rising costs affecting our partners across Europe," he added.

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