Latest news with #CRU
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
New law will allow private wires to free up electricity connection
The 'private wires' policy agreed by Cabinet represents a major shake-up in the way electricity can be delivered and distributed. ESB Networks is currently the only operator legally permitted to manage electricity connections. It installs and owns the cables and wires. The semi-state company is under significant pressure as demand for power grows, with delays in connections frustrating businesses and domestic customers. Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien announced yesterday that a parallel system had been agreed that would operate alongside ESB Networks. Legislation to underpin it would be given priority status, with drafting to begin shortly and enactment expected within 12 months. The law will put the energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), in charge of administering private-wires applications. The plan brought to Cabinet highlights several scenarios where it envisages private wires will be frequently sought. A 'generator' such as a wind farm or solar park could provide a direct connection to an adjacent factory without both sides having to connect to the national electricity grid. An existing generator will be able to share its grid connection with a new generator from another firm, saving the new installation waiting for a separate connection. A firm that supplies its own electricity – from a rooftop solar array, for example – will be able to provide electricity directly to a neighbouring customer. ADVERTISEMENT An EV owner will be able to lay their own cable for on-street charging – subject to planning permission. Mr O'Brien stressed the new system would not grant participants any automatic rights of access over third-party lands and that planning permission would still be required for most installations. I will also ensure that the CRU is resourced to take on this area However, he said it would enable a faster, more flexible response to the needs of a growing economy. 'This is a very significant reform of the rules on electricity infrastructure,' he said. 'I, and officials in my department, are now focused on the next steps. 'Primary legislation to amend the Electricity Regulation Act allowing for private wires will be enacted. 'Supporting regulations to define standards and processes for granting permission for private wires will be adopted. 'I will also ensure that the CRU is resourced to take on this significant new area of regulation.' The move followed a consultation with industry and the wider public last year and was supported by ESB Networks. The department said the current system would remain the preferred route to connection in most cases.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Planned 9.8% increase in non-domestic water charges undermining viability of hotels, says IHF
Non-domestic water charges are set to be increased by 9.8 per cent in October following a decision by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), but hoteliers have expressed 'serious concerns' over the increase. Michael Magner, the IHF president, described the increase as 'yet another example of the relentless increases in operating costs that are eroding Irish competitiveness and undermining the viability of businesses.' The new water and wastewater tariff rates will be effective from October 1st. The move is to 'ensure the recovery of costs of water services' and would aide 'the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of water services,' the CRU said. The decision to increase all charges by the same percentage value was made in the hopes of 'retaining the equity of cost allocation in the 2024 tariffs for all customer types' the CRU said in the decision published on Monday. READ MORE The IHF president said that, over the past two years, the average 70-bedroom hotel in Ireland will have seen an increase of over 40 per cent in its water tariffs. He said the increase is 'unsustainable given the exceptionally challenging environment' for Irish hotels. 'As a big consumer of water services, the hospitality sector is disproportionately impacted by increases in water tariffs, which businesses are unable to absorb.' Mr Magner said the 'cumulative impact of these and other cost increases now poses a serious threat to the viability of many businesses through our wider tourism and hospitality sector.' He said the sector is concerned about potential future annual increases over the next four years and the 'ongoing transfer of unjustifiable costs arising from inefficiencies in the delivery of water services in Ireland' while calling for a 'fairer funding model' to sustain water services and cost competitiveness for businesses.' Uisce Eireann had originally suggested a 13 per cent increase in charges to the CRU, which decides the rate, alongside two alternative increases of 1.7 per cent – in line with the harmonised index of consumer prices for 2025 – and 6.9 per cent – the average growth in Uisce Eireann's approved allowed revenues from 2020 to 2024. During a consultation period on the decision, the CRU received 22 submissions which opposed any increase but it noted that while 'affordability and competitiveness are significant issues for non-domestic customers and the Irish economy', Uisce Eireann is required to run in a 'commercially viable manner'. The regulator noted the increase was 'similar, or lower than' increases in similar percentage increases in UK water utilities. In light of the submissions received, the CRU said the 9.8 per cent increase was 'the most balanced approach'. 'The CRU is aware of the impact of bill increases for certain non-domestic customers and has engaged with Uisce Éireann to ensure that there are measures in place when engaging with customers with financial difficulties.'
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
CRU approves 9.8% hike in water charges for businesses
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has approved a 9.8% increase in water charges for businesses. Industry bodies have expressed concerns about the hike, which will come into effect from the start of October. The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) said this is just one example of how increased operating costs are undermining the viability of businesses. "Over a two-year period, the average 70-bedroom hotel in Ireland will have seen an increase of over 40% in water tariffs," said Michael Magner, IHF President. "This is unsustainable given the exceptionally challenging environment in which hotels and other hospitality businesses are currently operating." According to Mr Magner, the hospitality sector is disproportionately impacted by increases in water charges, which he said businesses are unable to absorb. "The cumulative impact of these and other cost increases now poses a serious threat to the viability of many businesses through our wider tourism and hospitality sector. "It is now imperative that the Government tackles these increases head on and delivers targeted measures to enhance cost competitiveness and support business viability," he added. Mr Magner said the industry is particularly concerned about the potential for further annual increases through to 2029. "We are calling for a fairer funding model that supports the long-term sustainability of Irish water services, while maintaining cost competitiveness for SMEs," he added. In its decision published yesterday, the CRU said the increased water charges are necessary to ensure the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of water services.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Hotels warn 'unsustainable' increase in water charges threatens survival of businesses
Plans to increase water charges for hotels are "unsustainable" and threaten the survival of many businesses, industry representatives warn. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to approve a 9.8% across-the-board increase in water charges for non-domestic and wastewater following a proposal from Uisce Éireann. The increases will come into effect from October 1. The Irish Hotels Federation voiced "serious concerns" over the regulator's decision and said the increase follows an average hike of 30% in water charges for hotels compared to this time last year. 'This is yet another example of the relentless increases in operating costs that are eroding Irish competitiveness and undermining the viability of businesses," said IHF president and owner of Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel, Michael Magner. "Over a two-year period, the average 70-bedroom hotel in Ireland will have seen an increase of over 40% in water tariffs. This is unsustainable given the exceptionally challenging environment in which hotels and other hospitality businesses are currently operating.' Mr Magnier said that as a major consumer of water services, the hospitality sector is disproportionately impacted by increases in water tariffs, which businesses are unable to absorb. "The cumulative impact of these and other cost increases now poses a serious threat to the viability of many businesses through our wider tourism and hospitality sector." Uisce Éireann charges non-domestic customers for supplying water to their premises. "The charges customers pay are determined under Uisce Éireann's Non-Domestic Tariff Framework," said the CRU. "The ministerial-approved Strategic Funding Plan 2025-2029 suggests that there is a need for €16.9bn in Uisce Éireann's funding over the five-year period, to deliver Uisce Éireann's capital programme and recover its operating costs to achieve critical outcomes for customers and communities." Mr Magner said is now imperative that the Government tackles these increases head on and delivers targeted measures to enhance cost competitiveness and support business viability. 'We are particularly concerned about the potential for further annual increases through to 2029, including the ongoing transfer of unjustifiable costs arising from inefficiencies in the delivery of water services in Ireland. We are calling for a fairer funding model that supports the long-term sustainability of Irish water services, while maintaining cost competitiveness for SMEs.'
New York Post
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Tennis star Tommy Paul engaged to stunning girlfriend Paige Lorenze
Congratulations are in order for American tennis star Tommy Paul and his girlfriend, Paige Lorenze. The couple announced their engagement in a joint Instagram post on Sunday after nearly three years of dating. Paul, who fell in the second round at Wimbledon to Austrian Sebastian Ofner, proposed to the social media influencer with a stunning radiant cut diamond at the beach on the island of Nantucket, as seen in a candid snapshot of the couple. Advertisement 'Forever,' they wrote, adding a white heart emoji. The newly engaged couple coordinated in white for the occassion. Advertisement 7 Paige Lorenze showed off her engagement ring after Tommy Paul proposed to her in Nantucket. Instagram/Paige Lorenze 7 American tennis star Tommy Paul and his girlfriend, Paige Lorenze celebrated their engagement on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Nantucket. Instagram/Paige Lorenze Another image showed Lorenze, who was wearing a crochet dress, and Paul, sporting a linen shirt and jeans, hugging on the beach. Lorenze — who is the founder of Dairy Boy, a home and lifestyle brand — flashed her engagement ring in a series of snapshots, which were reposted to her Instagram Story. Advertisement 7 Paige Lorenze and Tommy Paul announced their engagement after nearly three years of dating. Instagram/Paige Lorenze 7 Paige Lorenze showed off her stunning diamond engagement ring. Instagram/Paige Lorenze 7 Paige Lorenze and Tommy Paul have been dating since 2022. Instagram/Paige Lorenze The couple celebrated at CRU, a seafood restaurant and oyster bar in Nantucket on Sunday, as seen in other photos posted by friends. Advertisement Their private menu featured a selection of red and white wines, as well as a raw bar and passed hors d'oeuvres, including caviar cones and petite lobster rolls. 7 Paige Lorenze and Tommy Paul. Instagram @paigelorenze Paul, 28, and Lorenze, 27, went public with their relationship October 2022. The blonde beauty, who is also a model, has supported Paul on the ATP Tour since, most recently attending Wimbledon. Paul lost to Ofner in four sets following an impressive year on the tour. He advanced to two major quarterfinals in 2025 at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. 7 Tommy Paul of United States and girlfriend, Paige Lorenze pose for a photo with the cinch Championships 2024 winners trophy following victory against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the Men's Singles Final match at The Queen's Club on June 23, 2024 in London, England. Getty Images for LTA Paul is No. 16 in the ATP Rankings.
