Why Private Wires Matter
Ireland's electricity grid urgently needs to expand to meet demand from housing, transport electrification, heating, and industry. Private Wires enable businesses to connect directly to renewable generation — cheaper, faster, and cleaner than waiting for grid upgrades.
€3 Billion / Year
Industry estimates put the short-term value of Private Wires to the Irish economy at €3 billion annually — largely from offsetting fossil fuel imports.
Faster Housing
Grid connection delays are one of the biggest roadblocks to new home completions. Private Wires can let developers deliver homes while ESB Networks catches up.
Unlock Renewables
Businesses with excess roof solar could sell power directly to neighbouring premises, opening thousands of new renewable projects.
Security of Supply
Distributed generation improves resilience — remember Storm Éowyn. Ireland would take about a week to recover from a total grid collapse.
Factory Expansion
Enable industrial growth without waiting years for grid capacity. Support Ireland's competitiveness as an industrial location.
EV Charging
Local authorities could authorise street-level EV charging infrastructure without lengthy connection processes.
Local generation, local benefit
Businesses and communities with rooftop solar could supply neighbouring premises directly — instead of exporting cheaply and re-importing at retail rates. Private Wires turn every suitable roof into a potential local energy hub.
Homes built, powered, sooner
Grid connection queues can add years to a housing scheme. Private Wires let developers energise new homes locally while ESB Networks catches up — unblocking completions across the country.
