Mark McLean Pgdip. Bsc.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator with a wide range of economic, safety and customer protection responsibilities across energy and water. The CRU’s current responsibilities include economic regulation of the Irish electricity and natural gas sectors spanning both competitive markets and monopoly networks. The CRU’s safety responsibilities include safety regulation of electrical contractors, gas and LPG installers and the safe operation of the onshore gas network with a view to protecting life and property. The CRU is also the safety regulator of upstream petroleum safety activities including off-shore gas and oil. The overall aim of the CRU’s economic regulation role is to protect the interests of customers and to maintain the country’s security of gas and electricity supply in what is a constantly changing environment. The CRU is also economic regulator of public water and waste water services in Ireland and the focus is serving the best interests of Irish Water’s customers. In both energy and water, the CRU has an important related function in customer protection by resolving complaints that customers have with energy and water companies. The CRU is leading the national smart metering programme, aimed at upgrading to the next generation of energy meters and transforming retail markets. Further information is available on the CRU’s website at www.cru.ie .