Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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96. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on measures he is taking to ensure sufficient electricity generation capacity for the remaining months of 2023; the estimated capacity and headroom that will be on the system for winter 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator, and my Department. The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters.

The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures. These actions include: procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures.

Margins are expected to remain tight throughout this year. The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this and next winter and lower peak demand during these periods.

The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.