Legislation to amend and expand the role and functions of the Irish Energy Regulator comes into force.

January 2007

On the 24th December 2006 the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 was signed into law – substantially amending the law relating to the regulation of the electricity and natural gas industries, subject to the making of the necessary Ministerial Orders. Among the main features of the legislation are the following:

• The Energy Regulator (CER) has been given significant new functions in the area of electrical and gas safety and the regulation of the electrical contracting and gas installation industries allowing for the appointment of designated bodies to facilitate these functions.
• CER’s functions have been expanded to underpin its work in the development and delivery of an all island energy market.
• The removal of a legislative constraint to facilitate the regulation of electricity interconnection owned by someone other than the ESB.
• Allowing for the provision by the CER of a more flexible licensing regime for green/CHP generators and amending the definition of CHP as required by EU Directive 2004/8/EC.
• Allowing for the designation by the CER of a licensed gas supplier and shipper to act as supplier and shipper of last resort to final natural gas customers in certain specified circumstances.

For further information please contact:
Patrick Ryan at pryan@kilroys.ie

© Kilroys Solicitors January 2007