Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That was an interesting aside, which is important for the committee. I thank our guests for coming in. I have three areas of focus, two of which are follow-ups. Dr. McGowan made the comment that we hope to be enabling up to 95% capacity on the grid for renewables. I have two or three questions flowing from that.

What does the commission need to do to achieve that? What do the network suppliers need to do to achieve it? What do we, as policymakers, need to do?

My follow-on question from that relates to our overall energy generation over the coming nine years. What is the limitation of our capacity to export or is there one? Will the two new interconnectors aid us in ramping up the ability of the State to export renewable energy when we get to the point of being energy exporters?

I will go back to the first question asked by my colleague, Deputy Bruton, about smart meters. This is not a criticism but Ms MacEvilly's answer brought an awareness of something to my attention. I would have thought smart meters would be enabled to reduce energy consumption and thus reduce costs to the user as a starting point, not as an option from a supplier. Ms MacEvilly's remarks, if I picked them up correctly, were that the suppliers have a base position and then there are extras they can add for the customer. I would have thought, from the point of view of a regulator, the latter would be the first place to begin rather than it being an option. I would appreciate a comment on that.

Another question Deputy Bruton asked related to offshore wind energy and the capacity, particularly on the Atlantic coast, for us to generate the levels of renewable energy we all wish to achieve. The Deputy asked how close we are to commercial viability. There is legislation going through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the moment that will develop the maritime area regulatory authority. Has the CRU reviewed that legislation? Do our guests have a view on it? Do they believe it will work? Do our guests have any other comments to make about it?

My final point is a fresh one. The ESB yesterday announced an ambitious plan in its own sphere, which I have not fully read yet. Have our guests from the CRU any comments on that particular announcement?