Manage my energy usage
How is National Network, Local Connections Programme supporting the energy industry?
- Suppliers aggregators, and energy management companies are encouraged to develop new consumer offerings. Generators are encouraged to make use of new connection offerings and to take part in local markets for demand side response and storage.
What is ESB Networks’ National Network, Local Connections Programme about?
In 2020, ESB Networks established the National Network, Local Connection Programme to put in place the systems, processes, and capabilities needed to allow industry, customers, and communities across Ireland to participate in our move towards a carbon-free future. The goal is to maximise the use of renewable energy up to 80% of overall usage and beyond. The programme also aims to reduce peak electricity demand and improve electricity demand management in line with Ireland's Climate Action Plan.
The programme is essential in reaching Ireland’s climate targets through increased use of renewables. It will also meet the rapidly rising demand driven by the electrification of heat and transport, while continuing to deliver a safe, secure electricity supply.
ESB Networks’ National Network, Local Connections (NN,LC) Programme is a multi-year project that will transform how Ireland’s electricity is managed. In the decade ahead, all customers, from renewable generators to large energy users, to homes, farms and business customers will adopt new technologies, products, and services, changing how they generate, store, or consume electricity. With a growing focus on the use and storage of locally generated renewable electricity, the National Network, Local Connections Programme will ensure power can be forecast, monitored and managed at a local level.
Customers and communities across the country are becoming increasingly active in managing and controlling their own electricity usage. To that end, we are developing a distribution system that is safe and secure, taking into account new local and regional needs, and making a positive impact in the fight against climate change.
Why has ESB Networks decided to launch ‘Is This a Good Time?’
- As Ireland relies more on renewable electricity generation, at certain times the electricity system will be under pressure. Ireland has a plan to grow the contribution of wind and other renewable sources as we move towards a Net Zero future.
- However, wind can be variable. A shortage of back up generation means we face a heightened risk that the supply of power can keep pace with demand. This risk is greatest at the peak times between 5pm and 7pm Monday to Friday. At other times, when wind generation is high, consumption may be low and this presents an opportunity to utilise greener, less carbon intensive electricity.
- A number of Government bodies are working closely on measures to minimise the risk of disruption and optimise the utilisation of greener supply over the coming months. In 2022 ESB Networks set up a suite of initiatives under an umbrella Programme called ‘Beat the Peak’, as part of the National Network, Local Connections Programme to work with customers across homes and businesses to help move consumption away from times of constraint, and utilise during times of cleaner supply.
- ESB Networks’ ‘Is This a Good Time?’ campaign is a Beat the Peak Domestic initiative and is an awareness and engagement campaign that educates people, regardless of who their electricity supplier is, on how and when they can use their energy throughout the day. Its purpose is to provide signed up participants with information which will empower them to take control of their electricity usage and provide them the opportunity to earn rewards for taking specific actions when prompted, once certain criteria within the terms and conditions are met.
Why is peak time important?
- During the peak demand periods, if there is pressure on gas supply, or when wind generation is low, or generators or interconnectors are out of service, there is a risk of insufficient generation to meet demand.
- Given Ireland’s dependency on imported fossil fuels and geo-political activities at present there is a possibility of electricity generation shortages at peak times this winter.
