Ireland’s energy regulator has approved a major increase in investment in the country’s electricity networks, setting out funding levels that will underpin the expansion of renewable energy, grid resilience and electrification over the next decade.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has published its Final Determination for Price Review Six (PR6), establishing the allowed revenues for ESB Networks and EirGrid for the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.

Under PR6, an initial baseline investment allowance of €13.8 billion has been approved across Ireland’s electricity transmission, distribution and offshore networks. The regulator described the decision as a “step change” in investment compared with the previous price control, reflecting the scale of infrastructure required to deliver a secure, resilient and low-carbon electricity system.

The framework also introduces an Agile Investment and Monitoring Mechanism, allowing total investment to rise to an estimated €18.9 billion during the PR6 period where additional funding is justified to meet emerging system needs that benefit consumers.

According to the CRU, the investment will support the reinforcement and expansion of the grid to facilitate renewable generation, offshore wind development, electrification of heat and transport, increased housing connections and improved resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. It also aims to improve system reliability, customer service and digital capabilities, while maintaining strong requirements for efficiency, accountability and value for money.

The estimated impact on network charges for a typical domestic customer is around €12 per year on average, rising to a maximum of €21 per year if the higher investment case is fully realised.

Industry welcomes decision, calls for political backing

Wind Energy Ireland welcomed the approval of the €13.8 billion investment, describing it as essential to modernising the grid and integrating more renewable energy. However, the organisation warned that regulatory approval alone would not be sufficient without strong political and social support.

The group said the anticipated investment by EirGrid and ESB Networks would help reduce the hundreds of millions of euros lost each year due to curtailed wind generation, while also strengthening the distribution network against future storms. A stronger grid, it added, will also support housing development and accelerate the electrification of the wider economy.

“This investment will help us build an electricity grid fit for the 21st century,” said Dave Linehan, Head of Policy and Research at Wind Energy Ireland. “It will fund projects that ensure a cleaner, more affordable and more secure supply of electricity for every family and business in Ireland.”

However, Linehan stressed that lessons must be learned from past projects that faced delays due to opposition. “Along with this investment must come political support from every party and backing from everyone who wants a cleaner, more independent energy system. Projects like the North-South Interconnector were blocked or stalled because of a lack of support, and we simply can’t allow that to happen again.”

EirGrid signals unprecedented build-out

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity transmission system, also welcomed the PR6 determination, saying it enables an unprecedented programme of infrastructure delivery aligned with government objectives on housing, climate action and industry.

The company said the funding follows extensive collaboration with ESB Networks and sustained engagement with the CRU to identify the investments needed to develop the onshore and offshore power system to 2030 and beyond.

As part of PR6, EirGrid plans significant investment in technology and skills to support secure system operation, alongside the delivery of 29 major onshore transmission projects focused on security of supply, unlocking additional capacity and facilitating renewable generation. The programme also reflects EirGrid’s new role as owner of offshore transmission assets and preparations to integrate the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France.

Michael Behan, Chief Financial Officer at EirGrid, said the determination demonstrates regulatory support for the company’s long-term plans. “Innovating and investing is key to delivering a stronger, more resilient electricity grid, and the PR6 determination signals support for EirGrid’s ambitious plans out to 2030, alongside robust accountability and reporting to the CRU.”

Siobhán O’Shea, Interim Chief Infrastructure Officer Onshore at EirGrid, added that the decision was critical to meeting Ireland’s future energy needs. “It is critical we have a clean, secure power system that supports increasing societal and economic growth. At EirGrid we’re committed to developing a grid that evolves to meet the needs of communities and businesses for decades to come, and the PR6 determination is another step forward in ensuring we can deliver.”