The CRU’s 2025 roadmap: regulating energy and water for a changing climate

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) enters 2025 with a new strategic plan that outlines its ambitions for the next two years – focusing on providing customer excellence, sustainability and regulatory efficiency.

Acknowledging the need for a forward-thinking approach to energy and water regulation, the 2025-2027 Strategy emphasises the CRU’s commitment to ensuring essential services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in line with national policy.

The strategic plan seeks to support decarbonisation goals while remaining focused on energy security, cost effectiveness, and consumer protection. By aligning regulatory frameworks with the Climate Action Plan, the CRU will address challenges presented by climate change to advance Ireland’s commitments to a low-carbon future.

This approach demonstrates the CRU’s commitment to leading Ireland’s energy transition in a manner that is both ambitious and pragmatic. This strategy will also work to deliver on protecting and empowering customers, with an increased focus on the energy sector as it grows in scale and complexity.

Key priorities within the strategy include:

1. Act cohesively in Security of Supply and resilience across our utility sectors

2. Accelerating delivery of network infrastructure for net zero

3. Enhancing regulatory frameworks to deliver energy infrastructure at pace

The Strategy considers the wide range of activities delivered by CRU, in partnership with the Utility Regulator of Northern Ireland, in the regulation of the Single Electricity Market (SEM).

The Strategy outlines its ambition for a safe, secure, and sustainable energy and water supplies that puts citizens first. With a focus on innovative policies, renewable technologies and collaborative strategies, the CRU will continue to play a pivotal role in the decarbonisation of Ireland.

Leading the CRU is Jim Gannon, Commissioner and Chairperson of the CRU. Since 2019, Gannon has guided the Commission through global energy challenges towards its vision for resilient, safe, efficient, and sustainable supplies of energy and water now and in the future.

A prominent figure within the energy sector, he previously served as CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), managing an annual budget of €165 million for policy development, research and development, energy advisory, and capital grant programmes. He also held senior leadership roles within private sector energy companies. As one of three Commissioners, Gannon has responsibility for the economic regulation of electricity gas, water and energy safety and customer protection.

Joining Gannon as part of the three-person Commission are two new Commissioners who have been appointed within the last 12 months.

Fergal Mulligan has been a Commissioner since May 2024, having previously worked as the Director of the Digital Connectivity Office in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Prior to this, he led one of the largest infrastructural projects in the country, with the delivery of the National Broadband Plan, the Government programme to ensure all citizens have access to high-speed broadband.

He previously held a senior management role with ComReg and various accounting and audit positions, including with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dublin and Melbourne. He is a Chartered Certified Accountant and has been awarded diplomas in Corporate Governance from UCD and Economics and Competition Law from King’s College London.

The newest Commissioner is Tanya Harrington, who was appointed in September 2024. She previously held the position of Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer at An Post, where she was responsible for economic regulatory risk management and compliance.

Harrington serves as the Chairperson of the SEM, collaborating with the utility regulator in Northern Ireland to oversee the all-island single market. Harrington has held leadership positions with Powerscourt, advising a range of Ireland’s largest companies on matters of public policy, government affairs and economic regulation. At the NTR Foundation she delivered on the Foundation’s mandate to address the challenges posed by climate change, resource sustainability and security of energy supply. She has also served as a Ministerial Advisor at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Transport.

Jim Gannon Commissioner and Chairperson The Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Tanya Harrington Commissioner The Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Fergal Mulligan Commissioner The Commission for Regulation of Utilities