Publications

Modification No. 42 Clarity of Power Factor Requirements for Windfarms at Low Power Levels

CRU has approved Modification No. 42 of the Distribution Code. This modification allows reactive power at a windfarm’s connection point to vary up to a maximum of 0.12 of Q / P [importing VARs] when generation output is below 12% of Registered Capacity.

Effective Date 16/03/2018

Download PDF | 183KB

CRU Approval Letter

Proposal for General Application of RfG Requirements for Ireland

The consultation on the non-exhaustive parameters for the Requirements for Generators [RfG] has now closed. This proposal document is produced jointly by EirGrid plc in its role as the Transmission System Operator in Ireland and ESB Networks in their role as the Distribution System Operator in Ireland. This document contains the proposed parameters and explanations as to the reasons for their adoption, which are now formally submitted to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities [CRU] for approval. It also contains responses to the consultations and the System Operator replies.

Download PDF | 3MB

Details on processing applications outside of GPA.

This document outlines the steps by which an application is processed which is not the normal GPA, it also includes factors that make an eligible non GPA application.

Download PDF | 428 KB

ESB Networks Terms and Conditions for Twitter/Instagram Competition

Terms and Conditions for ESB Networks Twitter/Instagram Competition

Download PDF | 148 KB

Public Consultation on MV Customer Connection – MV EGIP Standard Module Substation

Background:

In order to support the Irish Government's National Climate Action Plan, ESB Networks needs to develop standard options to facilitate faster and optimised connection options for renewable and customer connections to our network.

As part of the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019, there are several targets within the electricity sector that must be met by 2030 including “the development of up to 1.5 GW of grid scale solar energy, an increase in onshore wind capacity of up to 8.2 GW”. As the generation market in Ireland is moving towards low carbon renewables, there has been a marked increase in smaller Independent Power Providers (IPPs) looking for connections to the electricity network. A significant number of solar connections are expected to come on-stream from 2021. As an IPP could have a solar farm constructed in a much shorter timeframe than, for example, a windfarm development, ESB Networks will have to deliver a Medium Voltage (MV - 20 or 10 kV) Embedded Generation Interface Protection (EGIP) Substation connection in a considerably shorter timeframe than our current standard.

The aim of this project is to support the renewable generation industry by facilitating a faster connection of embedded generation to the Distribution System. ESB Networks has developed an MV EGIP Standard Module solution that will allow for 1 to 20 MVA connection to ESB Networks MV System (Note: Generation Connection load capacity is still subject to system voltage present at connection node, local system capacity and possible system reinforcement requirements upstream of connection). This solution will remove the requirement to build a free standing MV block building, which requires significant on-site construction, with a module that can be factory built and then deployed to site thus allowing for faster connection to the system.

Consultation Document:

To view the consultation document, please click on the link below:

MV Customer Connection – MV EGIP Standard Module Substation | Download PDF ! 739 KB

Consultation Question:

Introducing an alternative connection option for MV customers requires significant stakeholder consultation, as such we would like to get feedback from all stakeholders and welcome any comments interested stakeholders may have on this proposal.

Next Steps:

The consultation period will close at 5pm on Friday 15th January 2021, please send your feedback to innovationfeedback@esbnetworks.ie

Please Note: To facilitate stakeholder feedback, in conjunction with the consultation document, we will be hosting a public webinar on Friday 11th December (12.00pm – 1.00pm), and a showcase of a standard module build at ESB Networks’ National Training Centre in Portlaoise, Co. Laois in Q1 2021 (further details to follow).

To register your interest in attending our webinar event and/or showcase event, please email innovationfeedback@esbnetworks.ie, indicating which event (webinar and/or showcase) you wish to attend.

Expressions of interest to attend can be included in your feedback on the consultation document.

In light of the COVID-19 restrictions and safety procedures, attendance at the showcase event at ESB Networks’ National Training Centre in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, in Q1 2021 may be limited.

Public Consultation on Electrification of Heat and Transport Strategy

Background

ESB Networks Electrification Strategy will set out our vision and approach to facilitating the electrification of heat and transport. Through our public consultation we are seeking feedback on this draft strategy from our customers and stakeholders to ensure alignment with their ambitions and expectations.

Our purpose and commitment to our customers has always been to provide a safe, secure and resilient supply of electricity to our customers. This role is evolving as we develop the distribution system enable Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy as our customers embrace technologies such as heat pumps, electric vehicles and microgeneration. ESB Networks has a key role to play in facilitating the transition to a low carbon society and supporting our customers to use low carbon, renewables based electricity to drive carbon out of the heat and transport sectors.

Consultation Document

Electrification of Heat and Transport Strategy | Download PDF | 859 KB

Consultation Update

Please note that the consultation period for this document is closed.

Public Consultation on the ESB Networks Distribution Annual Performance Report 2019

In line with the CRU Decision ‘Reporting and Incentives under Price Review 4’ (CER/15087), ESB Networks, in its capacity as Distribution System Operator, today is publishing for consultation the draft, ESB Networks Distribution Annual Performance Report 2019, which will cover ESB Networks Distribution Network activities for 2019. The report is intended to provide customers, industry participants and other interested parties with a clear, accessible, comprehensive, but non-technical report on Distribution performance in the calendar year.

Download PDF | 3 MB

Consultation Question

Do you have any comments on the ESB Networks Distribution Annual Performance Report 2019?

Next Steps

The consultation period will run for four weeks and will close on the 30^th October 2020. When the consultation closes, ESB Networks will review and consider all the comments and publish a final version pending CRU approval.

Interested stakeholder’s views are invited and can be sent to consultations@esbnetworks.ie

Terms of Reference - ESB Networks Innovation Stakeholder Panel

In November 2020, ESB Networks established our new Innovation Stakeholder Panel. This panel will provide a platform for enabling open discussion and feedback on our Innovation Strategy, projects and activities.
Following a call for expressions of interest in October 2020, we selected 19 panel members based on a number of criteria, across 10 stakeholder sectors. These panel members will represent our stakeholder sectors with a reach nationally and internationally. This document details the Terms of Reference for the Stakeholder Innovation Panel, it outlines the purpose and objective of the panel, the structure and timelines for meetings, and the panel membership and sectors represented.

Terms of Reference - ESB Networks Innovation Stakeholder Panel | Download PDF | 172KB