Legislation to unlock private electricity connections, supporting renewables, storage, and EV infrastructure.
The Irish government has approved the drafting of the Private Wires Bill, a key step in enabling private investment in electricity infrastructure and supporting the expansion of renewable energy and storage solutions. Announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, the bill is designed to complement the national grid while providing flexibility for electricity users and developers.
Private wires allow electricity to flow directly between a generator and a user, bypassing parts of the public grid. The new legislation will permit private wires in four specific scenarios:
Connecting a single electricity user to a separate generation asset, including storage.
Enabling hybrid connections that combine private generation with the grid.
Supporting on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.
Allowing self-supplying customers to provide power to neighbouring premises.
For electrical contractors, distributors, and installers, the bill could unlock significant new opportunities. Projects previously constrained by grid availability—such as site-specific renewable installations, storage systems, and EV charging networks—may now proceed more easily. Hybrid connections and self-supply arrangements create additional avenues for work in installation, maintenance, and consultancy services.
Minister O’Brien highlighted the benefits, saying:
“Private wires will allow for private investment in electricity infrastructure, particularly renewable energy and storage, while ensuring the national grid remains the primary route for connections.”
The Private Wires Policy Statement, approved in July 2025, underpins the bill. It prioritises safe, technically robust development, encourages renewable energy and storage deployment, and promotes cost-effective EV charging solutions. Public consultations in 2023 informed the framework, drawing input from renewable developers, electricity users, environmental groups, and farming associations. A regulatory impact assessment also assessed costs, benefits, and system-wide impacts.
The bill aligns with broader government initiatives, including the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan and the Climate Action Plan 2025. Both strategies identify private wires as a way to relieve grid constraints, boost renewables uptake, and support Ireland’s transition to a climate-neutral energy system.
For trade professionals, the Private Wires Bill signals an expanding market. Contractors and distributors can expect new opportunities in project delivery, system design, and ongoing maintenance, particularly for hybrid generation setups, storage installations, and EV charging solutions.
As the legislation moves forward, regulators and system operators will ensure private wires meet high safety and technical standards and integrate smoothly with the national grid. The Regulatory Impact Assessment and Heads of Bill are available on the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment’s website for interested parties who want to follow developments.
In short, the Private Wires Bill promises to open new business opportunities, enable flexible electricity solutions, and support Ireland’s clean energy ambitions—making it a development the electrical sector will want to watch closely.
