3 July 2025
EirGrid’s PR6 Business Plan outlines its ambition to transform the electricity grid
EirGrid has said it plans to significantly grow its operations over the next five years, as it works to support and facilitate the timely delivering of an unprecedented amount of new infrastructure. This comes as the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) publishes its Price Review 6 (PR6) Draft Determination.
EirGrid is responsible for balancing electricity supply and demand every minute of the day from the National Control Centre, while also planning for Ireland’s long-term electricity needs. Its costs are approved and overseen in 5-year periods through the CRU’s Price Review process.
As part of this process, it submitted a plan for the PR6 period of 2026-2030 against a backdrop of objectives laid down by Government and the CRU.
EirGrid’s PR6 Business Plan aims to meet a range of objectives with emphasis placed on key programmes of work, including:
- Significant investment in technology and people, to support EirGrid’s growth requirements and critical role in operating a secure and reliable electricity system.
- Delivery of new onshore infrastructure including uprates to existing lines, new overhead lines, new underground cables and new/expanded substations.
- EirGrid’s new role owning and being responsible for offshore transmission assets.
- Work to ensure that both our grid and market operations are ready to integrate the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France.
The plan also reflects EirGrid’s need to grow its capability, enhance system efficiency and strengthen its cyber security posture.
EirGrid has worked closely with ESB Networks to understand what investment is needed to deliver on Government and CRU targets.
The CRU’s Draft Determination is now open for consultation prior to a final determination being made.
Michael Behan, Chief Financial Officer at EirGrid said: “The PR6 period represents a timely opportunity to invest in Ireland’s future. Investment in our grid infrastructure and the capacity and capability of EirGrid to fulfil its critical role is fundamental to unlocking greater energy independence and security, as well as supporting national and regional economic growth and a resilient society.
"We are publishing a summary of our plan, and we would encourage our stakeholders to review this alongside the draft determination from CRU, and make a submission to the CRU as part of the consultation process. We look forward to continued engagement with CRU through the consultation period on the draft decision.
"Following the publication of the final decision by the CRU, we’ll look to deliver on the ambitions set out in the PR6 Business Plan for the period 2026-2030 within the parameters of the final determination.
"Our plan builds on progress made in recent years adding significant reinforcements to the transmission system and progressing critical infrastructure projects, supported by investment provided through PR5.”