National Energy Demand Strategy Annual Update 2026
The CRU has published the third update on the implementation of the National Energy Demand Strategy (NEDS).
NEDS is focused on improving how and when energy is used across Ireland. By increasing demand flexibility, it aims to support a more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective energy system. This latest update reflects the strategy’s move from its early phase into a more established stage of delivery.
What this update covers
The 2026 Annual Update provides:
- an overview of progress to date
- key developments across the energy system
- insights into emerging challenges as implementation continues
It also highlights ongoing work across a number of key areas, including:
- energy
- enterprise
- environment
- spatial planning
- regulation
Together, these areas are helping to support a more coordinated approach to how energy demand is managed in Ireland.
Progress to date
The update shows continued progress in enabling demand-side flexibility - a key part of ensuring that Ireland can make the most efficient use of its energy system, particularly as more renewable generation comes online.
As implementation continues, the focus is shifting towards scaling up these efforts and addressing challenges as they arise.
Moving to annual updates
The first two NEDS updates were published in February and July 2025. Reflecting the progress made so far, updates will now be published on an annual basis going forward.
Read the full update here: https://www.cru.ie/publications/29093/