An Electricity System Designed for Different Patterns of Use
Ireland's low voltage electricity network has been developed over many decades to meet the needs of customers as they existed at the time. Historically, residential electricity demand was relatively predictable and electricity flowed primarily in one direction, from the network to the customer.
The widespread adoption of low carbon technologies is changing both the scale and nature of electricity use. Homes may increasingly seek to connect electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, rooftop solar generation and battery storage. These technologies can increase demand on local networks and, in the case of solar generation and batteries, can also result in electricity flowing back onto the network.
As a result, some areas of the network may require reinforcement or upgrading to support changing customer requirements.
Electrification Does Not Occur Evenly
One of the principal challenges in planning for electrification is that the timing and location of adoption are inherently uncertain.
While national forecasts provide a clear indication of the overall scale of growth expected in technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, it is not possible to predict precisely when individual customers will choose to adopt these technologies, or where clusters of demand will emerge.
In practice, adoption can vary significantly between neighbouring communities with similar housing characteristics. Some areas may experience rapid growth in electric vehicle charging, while others may see higher levels of heat pump or solar PV installation.
This means that network operators like ESB Networks must plan and invest for long-term growth while retaining the flexibility to respond to changing patterns of demand at a local level.
The Network Is Only One Part of the Picture
The ability of a home to accommodate low carbon technologies depends not only on the public electricity network but also on the condition and capacity of the electrical installation within the property.
Many homes were constructed before technologies such as heat pumps and EV charging became commonplace. In some cases, upgrades to consumer units, wiring or other electrical infrastructure may be required before new technologies can be installed safely and effectively.
Consequently, readiness for electrification is determined by a combination of network capability and the suitability of a property's internal electrical installation.
Planning and Investing for Future Demand
ESB Networks is planning for substantial increases in electricity demand associated with electrification, new housing, renewable generation and economic growth.
This includes ongoing investment in network infrastructure, replacement of ageing assets, installation of smart technologies and expansion of network capacity where required. Through the PR6 programme and associated investment plans, ESB Networks is preparing the network to support increasing levels of electrification and customer participation in the energy system.
At the same time, improvements in network monitoring, smart metering and data analytics are providing greater visibility of emerging demand patterns and helping to inform future investment decisions.
Enabling an Orderly Transition
The transition to low carbon technologies represents a significant change in how electricity networks are planned and operated. As with any major infrastructure transition, investment needs to be undertaken in a targeted and efficient manner, informed by where and when demand materialises.
The objective is not to build every part of the network to meet the maximum conceivable future demand from the outset. Rather, it is to ensure that investment is delivered in line with customer needs while maintaining security, reliability and value for customers.
As adoption of low carbon technologies continues to increase, ESB Networks will continue to work with customers, installers, policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure the electricity network evolves in a way that supports Ireland's electrification ambitions while maintaining a safe and reliable electricity supply.