Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied regarding the availability of adequate supply of electricity during peak periods throughout the winter months and particularly throughout the festive season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36003/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The 2007 Winter Outlook Report was published by EirGrid in August last. Based on their analysis and on detailed engagement with each of the power generators, EirGrid forecast that electricity generating capacity will be sufficient to meet demand this winter. This is in line with EirGrid's previous medium-term generation adequacy forecasts.

Since August, EirGrid has provided regular updates on the outlook for generation adequacy this winter. In light of a number of forced outages at ESB plants EirGrid now calculates that generating capacity of 5,700 megawatts will be available this winter to meet demand.