Private Wires Bill can capture waste energy by unleashing private sector

13% of wind energy wasted last year, estimated cost of €450 million

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Climate, Environment and Energy Malcolm Byrne has said the Private Wires Bill represents Ireland’s best opportunity to make use of energy that is currently being wasted.

The Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy was informed that 13% of wind energy generated last year was not used due to congestion and other challenges on the electricity grid. The unused energy is estimated to have cost consumers €450 million.

Speaking on the issue, Deputy Byrne said:

“With increasing energy pressure due to instability and uncertainty in the Middle East, it is unacceptable that such a vast amount of energy already generated on this island is going to waste.

“The best shot Ireland has at capturing this wasted energy is by continuing the Government’s investment in strengthening the grid while also making more immediate use of available power by enabling private sector participation through the Private Wires Bill

“This bill will allow private developers to build and own electricity lines in certain circumstances, connecting energy generation directly to local demand.

“By doing this we can relieve pressure on the existing grid and get more electricity to households and businesses instead of letting it go to waste.”

Deputy Byrne said that given the current pressures facing households due to uncertainty in global energy markets, the Private Wires Bill should be treated as critical legislation.

“With global energy supply lines under pressure due to instability in the Middle East, Ireland needs to make better use of the energy we already have. We have legislation currently before committee that can fix the leaks in our electricity system and prevent unnecessary waste.

“Ireland must reclaim our energy sovereignty and this bill will help achieve that.”

END

Note to Editors

Private wires are electricity lines that are both privately built and privately owned. In Ireland, ESB Networks is the designated Transmission Asset Owner under law. This means ESB Networks owns the entire onshore electricity grid and is currently the only entity permitted to own electricity lines between a generator and an electricity customer.

In December, the Government approved the drafting of the Private Wires Bill, which will allow private developers to build and own electricity lines in certain circumstances.

Additional info: Government Approves the drafting of the Private Wires Bill