Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment how the CRU will be resourced to carry out its new functions with respect to the cap on market revenues; if new staff will be recruited; when he expects this to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34971/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector, following enactment if the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation.

While CRU is financed by means of a levy on regulated entities, it must receive approval from the Minister of Environment, Climate & Communication and the Minister of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform; in consultation with the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage, for staffing levels.

The latest such approval has been given, in full, for the CRU three-year workforce plan, which includes 74 new whole time equivalent positions to meet its objectives under the Strategic Plan 2022-2024.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the draft Bill for the cap on market revenues contains specific provisions around hedging in the energy market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34973/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In accordance with Article 2.5 of the relevant EU Council Regulation 2022/1854 on a cap on market revenue in the energy sector, the cap must take account of power purchase agreements and other hedging operations in the wholesale electricity market.

Therefore, the Bill will contain specific provisions on hedging in the wholesale electricity market.