CRU prioritises effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and customer protection in 2026

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) begins 2026 in the second year of its current strategic plan, which sets out the organisation’s ambitions for the next two years. The plan highlights the CRU’s commitment to delivering excellence in customer service, advancing sustainability objectives, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its regulatory activities.

CRU’s 2026 Work Plan outlines specific outputs and key performance indicators that will guide the organisation in achieving its strategic priorities for the year ahead. This workplan ensures the delivery of essential services in an efficient, safe, and policy-aligned manner. Designed to support the delivery of energy security, cost-effectiveness, safer energy outcomes and consumer protection while fully aligning with Ireland’s decarbonisation goals.

Some key areas of focus for the year will include:

• commence work on the creation of new capacity in cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, district heating, private wires and other functions recently assigned to the CRU but not yet resourced;
• the development of the regulatory frameworks for delivery of national energy infrastructure, particularly offshore wind and interconnection;
• alignment and re-integration of the Single Electricity Marlet (SEM) into the European electricity markets, through further market design and implementation, to ensure consumers receive competition, sustainability and security of supply benefits;
• continued engagement with the National Energy Affordability Taskforce, and the delivery of CRU actions including the assessment of electricity retail markets;
• the development of enhanced regulatory frameworks for Large Energy User (LEU) demand connection policy and publish additional decisions to support implementation of the Electricity Connection Policy; and
• progression of a resilient, cost effective and decarbonised electricity system through new system services procurement methodologies, and discrete actions taken on drivers of imperfections.

The first year of delivery saw significant achievements on a number of fronts with key achievements in 2025 including:

• a final determination on the Price Review 6 Framework that will underpin a record investment of up to €18.6 billion in Ireland’s energy infrastructure from 2026-2030;
• key regulatory decisions on the Greenlink Interconnector revenue process and initial assessment of the proposed Mares Connect Interconnector;
• a new Electricity Connection Policy for large energy users providing a pathway for connections to the Irish electricity system;
• various regulatory decisions on grid connection and charging for offshore wind, including the addition of a route to grid for projects unsuccessful in obtaining support in Ireland’s first offshore support auction (ORESS1);
• publication of decisions on the Smart Meter Data Access Code (SMDAC) creating opportunities for suppliers and others to offer additional smart services and products and the introduction of Dynamic Tariffs, which will enable customers to make cost savings by moving their consumption to periods where prices are lowest;
• the renewal of additional protection measures for household electricity and gas customers particularly targeting those in arrears;
• continued inspections and in some instances successful prosecutions relating to both electricity and gas illegal works;
• significant strengthening of governance and risk management systems, driven by the growth of our mandate, with the introduction of a Programme Management Office and enhanced reporting system; and
• the delivery of an external review and commencement of risk framework enhancement programme of work; and development and publication of an outward facing Governance Framework document.

The CRU’s approach for 2026 reflects a commitment to driving Ireland’s energy transition with ambition and pragmatism, while empowering customers to participate in and benefit from the energy transition. This includes developing new regulatory frameworks to facilitate active customers, energy communities, security of supply and promote innovation to support the transition to a lower carbon future.

Jim Gannon
Commissioner
Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Tanya Harrington
Commissioner
Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Fergal Mulligan
Commissioner
Commission for Regulation of Utilities