Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval of the General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill, a significant reform aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment and enabling private investment in electricity infrastructure.

The Private Wires General Scheme will establish a new regulatory framework allowing privately owned electricity connections in limited and clearly defined circumstances, while protecting the integrity and financing of the national grid.

Welcoming the decision, Minister Canney said: “This is an important and pragmatic reform that will help unlock renewable energy generation and storage, support economic development and relieve pressure on the national grid, while ensuring strong regulatory oversight and public safety.”

Under the proposals, private wires will be permitted only in specific scenarios, including direct connections between a generator and a single customer, hybrid renewable and storage connections, on-street electric vehicle charging, and limited electricity sharing between neighbouring premises.

Minister Canney noted that the new framework strikes a careful balance between encouraging innovation and protecting consumers: “The national electricity grid must remain the backbone of our energy system. This legislation ensures that private wires complement, rather than undermine, grid development, with full costs borne by private developers and no additional burden placed on other energy users.”

The General Scheme provides a clear regulatory role for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), including licensing, safety standards, inspection powers and enforcement, with safeguards to ensure alignment with EU law and ongoing consultation with ESB Networks and EirGrid.

The Minister also welcomed the commitment to return to Government in Q1 2026 with the draft Bill and a detailed implementation plan, including timelines and resourcing for the CRU.

“This reform will support renewable energy, storage solutions and future energy uses such as green energy parks, while ensuring that safety, consumer protection and grid resilience remain paramount,” Minister Canney added.