National Energy Affordability Taskforce

The transition towards an electrified and low carbon economy will require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable and conventional generation capacity as well as network infrastructure, presenting new policy and regulatory challenges. The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, commits Government to advance policies which will address high energy costs for households and businesses in the context of this transition.

The National Energy Affordability Taskforce has been established to identify cost drivers and make recommendations for structural reforms that will benefit consumers in the medium term (2026-2030) and longer term (post 2030) while delivering the key renewable commitments detailed in the Climate Action Plan, and protecting security of supply. The Taskforce's work programme will include the preparation and publication of an Energy Affordability Action Plan and monitoring its implementation on an ongoing basis.

The core objectives of the Taskforce are as follows:

• reviewing price drivers within the Irish energy sector with a view to identifying structural reforms and evaluating how costs are distributed within the energy system
• drafting an interim plan to identify short-term measures to support energy consumers in advance of Budget 2026
• undertaking a public consultation to ensure that Taskforce priorities are shaped by public and stakeholder input
• publishing a National Energy Affordability Action plan, which will include medium-term and long-term measures and structural reforms to lower costs for households and businesses

The Taskforce will be chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and is comprised of members from the following organisations:

• Department of the Taoiseach
• Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
• Department of Finance
• Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation
• Department of Social Protection
• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
• The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
• ESB Networks
• EirGrid
• Gas Networks Ireland

The Taskforce's work programme will be supported by a process of ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders, including industry bodies, suppliers and non-governmental organisations.