Latest news with #CRU
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Energy regulator ‘ignored' High Court ruling that could boost powers to restrict data centres
Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has now called on the regulator to publish its legal advice, as concerns mount over the expansion of the data centre sector. Ms Boylan sought documents under Freedom of Information (FOI) after the regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), issued a proposal last February on the regulations that should apply to new data centres. Data centres currently use 22pc of all the country's electricity and multiple agencies and experts have warned that the electricity system cannot cope with their growing demand. The CRU proposed that new data centres could be permitted if they generated all the power they needed themselves. In theory, that could mean developing windfarms or solar parks, but because the proposal stated the generation plants must be on site, in reality they would be installing gas-fired generators. Such a move would drive up gas use and emissions, contrary to the Climate Action Plan and legally-binding emission-reduction targets. The CRU in its proposal said it had taken legal advice on potential measures such as requiring data centres to meet 'net zero' emissions standards. 'Following legal review, the CRU considers that the current provisions under the Climate Action Act do not provide a mandate to CRU to deliver a connections policy which requires explicit emissions reduction,' it said. However, just days before this was published, the High Court delivered a landmark ruling on the climate action responsibilities of state agencies and public bodies. It was made in relation to Coolglass Windfarm proposed for Co Laois, which An Bord Pleanála refused to grant planning permission for on the basis that it would contravene the Laois County Development Plan by being a visual intrusion on the landscape. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Justice Richard Humphreys said the grounds on which An Bord Pleanála based its decision were outweighed by the requirements of the Climate Act, specifically section 15 which deals with the responsibilities of public bodies to behave in accordance with the act. It was the first time the strength of section 15 was tested and has potentially massive implications for all public bodies. Yet the FOI documents show that a draft of the CRU proposal, drawn up before the highly publicised judgment, was the same as the decision made public after it. "The Coolglass ruling gave the CRU a clear legal footing to act decisively on data centres, yet the CRU's policy reads like business as usual, as if ruling never happened,' Ms Boylan said. "The claim that they lack the legal authority to act decisively on data centre emissions now rings hollow. The CRU must publish their legal advice.'
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Levy on electricity bills to subsidise wind farms set to fall
Energy regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, has decided to set the levy at €1.94 a month from October. This works out at €23 a year, and is half of what the Public Services Obligation (PSO) levy is at the moment. Electricity prices in this country are already among the highest in Europe However, it comes after a warning this week that household electricity bills are to be hit with an increase by at least €83 a year to pay for a major upgrade of the country's power system. Households currently pay on average €254 per year as part of their bill to help fund annual upgrades but that would increase to €337 next year under the current proposal. ESB Networks has asked the energy regulator to approve a price increase that would enable it to fund investment of between €10.1bn and €13.4bn over the next five years. At the lower estimate, the average residential bill-holder would be charged €1.60 extra per week, totalling €83 per year or €415 over the investment period. This is on top of the standing charge imposed on electricity bills. The CRU is tasked with working out how much money wind farms and solar panel operators will need each year to enable them to supply electricity. This is charged to households and companies in the form of the PSO levy. The regulator has now issued a decision paper which indicates that the PSO levy for 2025/26 has been calculated that €156.22m. This is the amount the CRU says will be required to support these renewable energy projects. 'This will result in a monthly charge of €1.94 and €7.59 for domestic and small commercial customers, respectively,' the CRU said. Last year it was revealed that the average household electricity bills was to rise by €100 over a year from last October after the energy regulator approved an increase in the funding needed to operate and develop the electricity grid. Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site said the proposed reduction in the PSO levy is obviously welcome. But wholesale electricity prices remain so high. This is why less money is needed to support renewable projects as they are already receiving enough money for the electricity they generate on the open market. 'But given how high prices remain, many households will probably be wondering why the levy is still needed at all,' he said. Mr Cassidy said the move towards net zero is going to be difficult and billions of euro is needed by EirGrid and the ESB over the coming years to help reinforce our grid in order to meet our climate targets. 'And while renewable energy should help electricity prices ease from their near-record highs over the coming years, some of the savings will be cancelled out by the money that's needed to invest in infrastructure like battery storage, interconnectors, and the grid itself to better manage all the renewable energy.' The executive said electricity prices in Ireland are still around 70pc to 80pc above where they were before the war in Ukraine broke out. It means the average household is still paying over €500 a year more for their electricity than they were only a few years ago. It is similar for gas. But it is highly unlikely prices will revert anywhere near to pre-war levels in the medium term unfortunately.
Irish Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Upgrade of power system could spark €83 yearly increase in household electricity bills
Household electricity bills could increase by €83 per year to pay for an 'essential' upgrade of the country's power system, the chief executive of the Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) has said. Dara Lynott said ESB Networks estimates it will need between €10 billion and €13.4 billion to upgrade the system over the next five years. ESB Networks has asked the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to approve a price increase in order to facilitate this. It is estimated that such a price increase would result in household electricity bills increasing by at least €1.60 per week or about €83 per year. Mr Lynott said the investment is 'absolutely needed' and should be treated the same way as investing in any other 'essential' service, such as roads or water. READ MORE Mr Lynott said renewables such as wind, solar and hydropower currently provide about 40 per cent of electricity in Ireland. He said this figure needs to increase to 'reduce emissions' and improve the efficiency of the grid. He said a price increase of around €1.60 per week for electricity should be viewed 'in context', noting that people in Dublin regularly pay €3.75 for a cup of coffee 'if they're lucky'. 'That's not to say that the price increase won't be difficult for some people but there are measures that can be done by the Government to negate this, such as energy credits.' Mr Lynott said people over the age of 65 and single mothers with children under 18 are two cohorts most likely to feel the impact of a bill increase. He said the Government should consider giving these groups a free allotment of electricity units. He said universal credits are 'regressive' and the only way to tackle 'energy poverty' is with targeted measures such as electricity credits. [ Irish electricity prices, already Europe's highest, may rise further due to 'required investment' Opens in new window ] The Department of Social Protection provides a €35 monthly electricity allowance through the Household Benefits Package to help individuals with their energy bills. This allowance is paid directly into a person's bank account, so is not necessarily spent on energy bills, My Lynott noted. It was announced in Budget 2025 that all domestic electricity customers would get €250 off their electricity bills via two instalments of €125, as part of the Government's cost-of-living package. Similar measures had been announced in previous budgets. However, the Government has indicated that universal credits may not feature in the upcoming budget, potentially being replaced with more targeted measures. 'We're not going to have a cost-of-living package this year,' Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in February. The Irish Times has contacted ESB Networks, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for comment.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK Personal Injury Market Report 2025: Official Injury Claim - Four Years Since Launch and Still Limited Use by Individuals
The Personal Injury market report estimates a valuation of £4.39bn in 2024, amid tough conditions and declining claims. Growth highlights include clinical negligence and serious injury cases. Digital investment boosts large firms, while consolidations continue with the top 20 firms covering over 50% of claims. Dublin, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "UK Personal Injury Market Report 2025" has been added to offering. The 10th annual edition of the report that provides a review of the market, looking at the market structure, key issues and new developments, market size and trends, the key players, future market developments. Key Highlights The report estimates that the Personal Injury market was valued at £4.39bn in 2024, an increase of just 2.3% on the previous year. Market conditions have remained tough with claims numbers falling again during the year while the lifecycles of many claims continue to be lengthy. As in the previous two years, the strongest growth has been for some of those practitioners working in clinical negligence (CN), serious injury, and complex cases. The RTA claims sector is now dominated by volume players where economies of scale are underlying revenue and profit growth for some. Investment in digital solutions by some of the larger players that have access to capital for IT investment has impacted profits but it is starting to reap some ROI benefits and there should be more to come. However, there is little optimism for many smaller PI firms with limited ability to invest in IT, marketing, and improved digital customer interfaces. There will be more firm exits as most of the leading players continue to grow, including through more mergers and acquisitions. As consolidation continues, more external investors including private equity will see the sector as a potential target. Consolidation continues to gather pace with the top 20 PI firms now taking over 50% of all claims involving legal representation registered at the Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU). For the sixth year running, claims registered at the CRU have fallen slipping to 447,973 in 2024/25 from 477,220 in the previous year. Motor-related cases continue to dominate although their share of total claims registered has slipped to 70% from 73% in the previous year. Motor claims numbers have been falling year-on-year since 2019/20. Claims categories increasing numbers in 2024/25 are CN (16,395 claims in the latest year from 15,839 in previous year), public liability (64,423 from 58,933), and "other" claims. Value market growth is expected to improve in 2025 although claims volumes are expected to remain sluggish. Costs and processing efficiencies will help to drive revenue and profits growth for many of the leading players. Value CAGR between 2024 and 2028 is forecast at 5.5%. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Market characteristics Regulatory changes and other official reports Some key statistics Official Injury Claim portal - four year anniversary Market conditions still tough but improved growth forecast for 2025 Market Structure The main types of personal injury work The number of solicitors and legal companies Market Developments and Drivers New personal injury discount rates across the UK Uplift in the tariff for whiplash damages Report on impact of Civil Liability Act on motor insurance premiums/claims Government's response to medical reporting for RTAs consultation Civil Procedure Rules amendment include rule for more ADR Review of litigation funding published The Key Players Mergers, acquisitions and closures Key players Admiral Law Ltd Bond Turner Ltd Bott & Co Solicitors Ltd Carpenters Ltd CFG DLG Legal Services Ltd Express Solicitors Ltd First4Lawyers Fletchers Solicitors Ltd Neil Hudgell Ltd InjuryLawyers4u Irwin Mitchell LLP Leigh Day Lyons Davidson Minister Law Ltd NAHL Group ZIGUP/NewLaw Solicitors Simpson Millar LLP Slater and Gordon Lawyers Stewarts Law LLP Thompson Solicitors LLP Winn Solicitors Ltd Market Size and Trends RTA injuries fall in the last three years but serious injuries remain the same Workplace injuries increase in 2023/24 Claims for criminal injuries continue to increase Limited market growth in 2024 Volume of cases registered at the CRU fall again, settlements too Small increase in PI claims heard in courts Official Injury Claim - four years since launch and still limited use by individuals For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Criticism mounts over 12. 91% planned increase for rental units
The DA-led City is proposing a 12.9% increase for residents living in Council-owned Community Residential Units (CRUs), mostly on the Cape Flats Image: Picture: Supplied OPPOSITION parties are outraged with the DA-led City's plans for a 12.91% increase in rental costs for some of Cape Town's poorest residents living in Council-owned Community Residential Units (CRUs), mostly on the Cape Flats. The City's budget has come under severe criticism by residents and opposition politicians over what they said were unaffordable rates and tariffs proposed in its initial budget. Despite some changes with the second draft, GOOD councillor, Axolile Notywala said 'Under the guise of 'expanded rates relief,' the City's Budget 2.0 claims to offer financial support, yet its so-called 'innovative' approach includes a 12.91% increase in rental costs for CRU tenants'. 'This sharp hike is more than double the 4.40% increase initially proposed in the original draft budget. "This decision was pushed through in a Special Human Settlements Portfolio Committee meeting on 29 April 2025, where every DA councillor present voted in favour of the increase. This happened as the City scrambled to defend its original draft budget amid public outcry over unaffordable rates and tariffs,' he said. "Rather than easing the pressure, the DA has chosen to squeeze Cape Town's most vulnerable residents even further. Shockingly, DA councillors continue to justify the increase by claiming Cape Town has 'some of the lowest rentals in the country'. But the truth is, in a city where affordable housing is scarce and public housing is a last refuge for many, these increases are nothing short of punitive. If the City is serious about being 'pro-poor' then its actions, especially those affecting people's homes and livelihoods, must match its rhetoric,' said Notyawala. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim said the increase was endorsed by the committee but will be considered for next year. 'The proposal was tabled and endorsed by the Human Settlements Portfolio Committee but not carried by the executive in the final budget proposal. This increase was tabled as part of the original public participation process in order to fund a Public Housing Safety Unit to ensure safety and compliance in rental stock as well address anti-social behaviour. However, the change has not been affected in the latest budget out for public participation. 'It will be reconsidered at the January 2026 adjustments budget if feasible at the time. The proposal amounts to approximately R50 extra a month per tenant, noting this in the context of the lowest public housing rates in the country. The City also offers generous rebate and rental relief,' said Pophaim. Advocate Rod Solomons, convenor of the #SA1stForum and coordinator of the Push Back Against the City Of Cape Town's Proposed Unaffordable Rates and Service Increases campaign said this increase was 'inhumane' and bordered on being 'criminal'. 'We need to know the names of those councillors who voted in favour of this diabolical decision so that they can be publicly shamed. This is another example of this tone deaf DA-led City paying lip service to being at service of all Capetonians. This is even more of a reason why Capetonians must object to this latest budget as proposed by the Mayor,' said Solomons. The National Coloured Congress (NCC) in the Cape Metro Region said they were 'outraged' by the proposed increase but not surprised.
