CRU Approves Annual Electricity Network Charges

The full 2025/26 tariff decision confirmed in the annual Transmission and Distribution Information Papers can be found on www.cru.ie.

As part of its annual revenues and tariff process, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has today published an Information Paper on the revenue and network tariffs for EirGrid and ESB Networks for the 2025/26 tariff year. This will be reflected in the network charges levied on suppliers between 1st October 2025 and 1st October 2026.

In 2026, the approved revenue for distribution is €1,336.80 m and for transmission is €1,389.79 m, €2.72 billion in total. Together, this represents a €190.4 m (7.5%) increase on the 2025 figure of €2.53 billion.

The CRU has reviewed this expenditure, in line with its annual regulatory process, ensuring that investment costs are recovered in a fair and transparent way for customers. The combined impact of both network charge requirements will see an average increase of approximately €29 on a typical domestic customer bill for the 2025/26 tariff year, meaning electricity customers will see an additional €2.41 per month in network charges on their bills.

Network charges fund crucial upgrades and maintenance to Ireland’s electricity grid. These investments keep our power supply reliable and support Ireland’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

In 2025, ESB Networks delivered key upgrades to Ireland’s electricity system, improving reliability and urban capacity as part of a wider modernisation effort. To support winter readiness, €74.5 million was approved for ESB Networks’ Winter Resilience Plan. Investments planned for 2026 will further strengthen the network’s ability to meet growing demand efficiently.

Meanwhile, EirGrid advanced several strategic initiatives. Moneypoint transitioned from coal to heavy fuel oil in 2025, supporting Security of Supply. The 500 MW Greenlink interconnector was energised in 2024, and by mid-2025 and major progress was made on the Celtic Interconnector.  Infrastructure delivery also accelerated, with over 1,450 MW of renewable and battery projects achieving connection agreements in 2024, and additional capacity completed in 2025.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner Fergal Mulligan said:

“This decision is in line with CRU’s regulatory process, to make sure Ireland has a reliable energy supply, cleaner electricity, and fair, transparent service for all customers, delivering on both national and EU objectives. We review network operators’ investment plans annually to make sure they’re necessary, cost-effective, and will improve electricity services for customers. This year’s increase in network charges reflects the growing need to invest in a more resilient, smarter and cleaner electricity grid.