TD Barry Heneghan Introduces Bill for Private Electricity Networks in Dáil

Independent TD Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North) is introducing the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 in the Dáil. This Private Members’ Bill aims to enable small entities, like shopping centres and community groups, to establish and operate their own independent electricity networks, known as «private wires» networks.

These networks would typically derive power from renewable energy sources, distributing and sharing it within a closed group, often utilizing battery storage. Crucially, these systems would operate independently of the National Grid, which is managed by EirGrid.

Heneghan’s Bill differs from the Government’s draft private wires Bill, published in late 2025, which primarily targets large, industrial-scale applications such as data centres. His legislation is designed to address a broader range of scenarios, including local settings where renewable energy, particularly solar, is becoming more accessible. He cited examples like a shopping centre with rooftop solar supplying all its shops.

The TD stated his motivation is to make energy more affordable and accessible for householders. He also seeks legislative solutions for the use of plug-in «balcony solar» panels in Ireland, noting that while retailers like Lidl sell them for €299, the current Irish network does not permit their use.