October
2025
Electricity (Supply) Amendment Bill 2025
The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 is passed (the "Bill").
The Bill provides the mechanism for the Government to invest €1.5 billion in ESB Networks to support crucial development of the electricity grid over the next 5 years, as committed to in the updated National Development Plan. The Bill also provides for an increase in ESB's statutory borrowing limit from €12 billion to €17 billion. The Bill is signed into law on 20 November 2025.
Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Procurement Consultation
EirGrid, together with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment ("DCEE") and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities ("CRU"), launches a consultation on the proposed procurement mechanism and operational considerations that need to be considered to facilitate the introduction and operation of long duration electricity storage services.
Wind Turbine Nuisance Judgments
The High Court awards substantial general damages and property devaluation compensation to two sets of plaintiffs who suffered from prolonged and intrusive wind turbine noise at their rural homes, finding that the defendant's operation of a wind farm caused a serious nuisance during night and quiet periods. This is the third judgment delivered by the High Court in these proceedings, with the High Court having previously restricted the windfarm to lower operating modes during quiet waking hours at certain wind speeds and directions and the full shutdown of the wind farm at night for certain wind speeds and directions.
The court orders €10,000 per year in general damages to one homeowner, €18,500 per year to her former partner (up to his departure from the property), and €7,500 per year to each of the second set of plaintiffs. Additional compensation is awarded for the diminished sale price of one property (€55,000) and a 'stigma' reduction in the value of the ongoing residence (€30,000). Claims for aggravated and exemplary / punitive damages are refused.
Consultation on Article 26 of the Net Zero Industry Act
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment ("DCEE") launches a consultation on a proposal for the inclusion of changes under the Net-Zero Industry Act ("NZIA"). The aim of the consultation is to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed approach for the implementation of the NZIA.
The consultation led to an initial decision. The Irish Government intends to structure Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions with 70% to 85% price criteria and 15-30% non-price criteria. Other items considered in the initial decision include technology specific pots, a revised price-scoring proposal, the pre-qualification non-price criteria to be considered, and post-award non-price criteria.
