Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has welcomed the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities' Final Determination on Price Review 6 (PR6), which covers 2026 to 2030. The decision sets the regulatory framework for EirGrid and ESB Networks and clears the way for up to €18.9 billion of investment in Ireland's energy infrastructure to meet a growing population and support economic development.

The programme is underpinned by an unprecedented €3.5 billion Government equity injection into the electricity system, as set out in July's revised National Development Plan. Of this, €1.5 billion will be transferred to ESB this week to finance delivery of onshore network works over the next five years.

The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 2025, enacted at the end of November, provides the mechanism for the ESB investment. To ensure oversight, the Minister will receive quarterly monitoring reports on how the funds are being spent and on progress across the wider PR6 programme.

Energy infrastructure is central to the Government's agenda on housing, industrial development, digitalisation and climate action. PR6 aligns with the Accelerating Infrastructure report and action plan and includes increased network capacity to accommodate higher levels of renewable generation.

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Welcoming the determination, Minister O'Brien said: "Ireland is entering into the most significant period of energy infrastructure development since rural electrification. The government's Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan demands bold ambition, and PR6 helps us to deliver that. The framework will deliver the resilience our energy system needs to withstand extreme weather events. The large-scale investment also means that Ireland can develop the energy system that is required to deliver on our housing, industrial development, digitalisation and climate action goals. In the long run, it will also deliver cost benefits to households. Investment in our grid now will facilitate more home-grown renewables that will ultimately reduce our reliance on volatile international gas markets."

He added: "I also welcome the transfer – this week – of €1.5 billion in government equity to ESB, as committed to in the revised National Development Plan. This funding will ensure ESB Networks is sufficiently financed to begin delivering on the ambitious PR6 investment programme starting next year."

According to the Department, PR6 will facilitate the connection of up to 300,000 new homes by 2030; electrification of public transport projects, including preparation for MetroLink; annual resilience upgrades to meet the challenges of climate and storms; increased capacity and upgrades to meet rising demand from households and businesses; and network infrastructure to support the connection of up to one million electric vehicles alongside a significant roll-out of heat pumps.

Overall, the works are intended to strengthen and improve the national grid, enabling ESB Networks and EirGrid to connect new customers, cut curtailment and constraint costs for consumers, and make the system more robust. Grid upgrades will also facilitate onshore and offshore renewables and prepare for key public transport projects such as MetroLink.