The blame falls squarely at the feet of a government that rolled out the red carpet for data centres

Ordinary consumers should not bear the financial cost of the government’s failure to ensure the country has a sufficient supply of electricity, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore.

“The government has been trying to play down the prospect of black-outs and brown-outs this winter, but the latest warning from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CRU) is both forthright and stark.

“According to the CRU, there is a “significant risk to electricity security of supply” – to the extent that, electricity suppliers are being given just two weeks to suggest ways of dampening demand during peak usage times.

“The CRU has also explicitly singled out data centres as being predominantly responsible for the huge increase in electricity demand that has prompted this crisis response.

“While the CRU has suggested increased tariffs may be put in place for large energy users at peak times, under no circumstances should ordinary consumers pay any financial penalty for the State’s failure to do the bare minimum – keep the lights on.

“It has been clear, for a long time, that Ireland’s antiquated electricity infrastructure is not sufficient to cater for the huge demands placed on it by data centres. Now, the country is paying the price for the government’s failure to listen.

“If there are black-outs and brown-outs this winter, the blame will fall squarely at the feet of a government that rolled out the red carpet for data centres – and surrendered our energy security.”

19 August, 2022

Ends

Back to all Posts