The CER was assigned responsibility over the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, and its roles and responsbilities have expanded since with new legislation. The CER's roles have involved the liberalisation of the electricity generation and retail (supply) market in order to encourage the entry of competition and new investment. Market rules were established for both a wholesale electricity market and a retail electricity market, while licensing processes and procedures were introduced for all market participants. The electricity sector has continued to develop under the regulatory guidance of the CER.
The CER regulates the monopoly electricity transmission and distribution systems (high and low voltage wires/pylons) with the aim of delivering "value for money" for the end customer.
In November 2007 the wholesale Single Electricity Market (SEM) went live across the island of Ireland. The SEM is regulated by the SEM Commitee, consisting of the CER in Dublin, the Utility Regulator in Belfast and an independent member.
The retail electricity market opened fully to competition on 19 February 2005 and independent companies now supply almost half of electricity consumed (by volume) in Ireland.
This section of our website provides regulatory policy, consultations and decisions in these key areas of the electricity sector in Ireland. This includes an oveview of the SEM, while further information on the SEM can be found at the website of the all-island project at www.allislandproject.org.