Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage increase in electricity use in winter 2007; his views on ESRI warnings in winter 2007 that electricity capacity was at a stage where forced shutdowns of aging plants during winter peak demand could result in shortages; if he is confident that there will be sufficient capacity in winter 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am advised by Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) that the point of peak demand for 2007 occurred on 18 December last, with the generation of 5,077 megawatts of electricity. The demand was met satisfactorily. This compares with a 2006 winter peak demand of 5,035 megawatts and represents a rise of less than 1%.

As with any power generation system, it is not possible to give definitive guarantees that generation adequacy will always be maintained. By their nature, high level forced outages on the system cannot be predicted. The work of the ESRI in the area of security of electricity supply underlines the necessity to ensure adequate capacity margins on the generation system.

My Department liaises closely with the CER, which has key functions with regard to security of electricity supply, and with EirGrid as the independent Transmission System Operator. Reporting to the CER, EirGrid has responsibility for managing generation adequacy and monitoring generation capacity. EirGrid publishes a Winter Outlook Report annually around the end of August. This year's report will again provide a rigorous analysis of the capacity of Ireland's electricity generation to meet expected demand in the coming winter.

Based on the ongoing EirGrid analysis, including the most recent Generation Adequacy Report, the overall assessment is that capacity will be sufficient in the short term.

However, security and reliability of electricity supply over the coming years must be of paramount concern. It is critical for the economy, for business and for all consumers. Improved availability of existing generating capacity and delivery of new generating and interconnection capacity are therefore key priorities over the period to 2014. The provision of flexible plant in light of the continued strong growth in wind energy on the system is also critical in this context. My Department will work closely on these priorities with all stakeholders over the coming years.