CRU Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) Decision Paper: Framework Guide for Ireland

Key Takeaways

• The CRU Decision Paper CRU/21/131 governs Ireland's Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) framework.
• Electricity suppliers with more than 50 customers are legally mandated to offer CEG tariffs.
• Deemed export for non-smart meter users is calculated with a formula: MEC (kWp) * 8,760 hours * 9.7% * 0.35.
• Refusing a smart meter installation forfeits eligibility for deemed export remuneration.

What is the CRU Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) Decision Paper?

The CRU Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) Decision Paper CRU/21/131 outlines the regulatory framework for microgenerator solar export remuneration in Ireland. This decision mandates how electricity suppliers compensate eligible microgenerators for surplus electricity exported to the grid (August 2026).

This framework was established pursuant to the European Union (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations and EU Directive 2019/944. It aims to provide a clear and consistent approach to export payments.

Primary CRU CEG Regulatory Provisions (CRU/21/131)

| Regulatory Commission Identity | Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) Decision Paper CRU/21/131 | Figures as of August 2026.

How do we verify these regulatory details?

We verify these regulatory details by directly referencing the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) Decision Paper CRU/21/131. This document, titled "Interim Clean Export Guarantee Decision Paper," is the primary source for the framework's provisions. We accessed this official publication on 23 August 2026 to confirm all stated requirements and definitions.

How are CEG rates determined, and what are the market realities?

The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) rate is not subsidized by the State or by a Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy. Instead, each licensed electricity supplier sets its own published unit rate in cents per kWh. These rates are based on the wholesale market value of electricity.

This means that CEG rates can vary between different electricity suppliers. You should compare offers from various providers to find the most competitive rate for your exported solar power. All licensed electricity suppliers with more than 50 customers are legally mandated to offer a competitive, market-reflective CEG tariff to eligible microgenerators (August 2026).

What is deemed export, and how is it calculated?

Deemed export applies to microgenerators who do not have an interval smart meter installed. This includes those with legacy 24-hour or day/night meters, or those awaiting smart meter installation. For these customers, the volume of exported electricity is not measured directly but is calculated using a specific formula.

The deemed export formula is: Deemed Export (kWh) = MEC (kWp) * 8,760 hours * Capacity Factor (9.7%) * Export Factor (0.35).

• MEC (kWp) refers to the Maximum Export Capacity, which is your installed solar peak capacity, up to the microgeneration limit.
• The Capacity Factor (9.7%) represents the national average solar capacity factor.
• The Export Factor (0.35) is the deemed export fraction.

This calculation provides an estimated export volume for remuneration purposes (August 2026).

What role do smart meters play in CEG remuneration?

Smart meters are central to accurate CEG remuneration. If you have an installed smart meter, you will receive CEG payments based on actual recorded half-hourly interval export data. This data is registered and processed via ESB Networks and the Meter Registration System Operator (MRSO).

However, there is a significant consequence for refusing a smart meter. Refusal of a standard smart meter installation from ESB Networks forfeits your eligibility for deemed export remuneration. This means that if you decline a smart meter, you will not receive payments for your exported solar electricity, even if you are an eligible microgenerator (August 2026).

Understanding your microgeneration connection and export options

Navigating the Clean Export Guarantee requires understanding your connection type and export capabilities. For detailed information on connecting your microgeneration system to the grid, you can refer to our guides on the ESB Networks NC6 Microgeneration Connection Process and ESB Networks NC7 Minigeneration Connection and Capacity Limits.

To compare the actual rates offered by different suppliers under the CEG framework, consult our Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) Supplier Rates Guide. If you are planning a new solar installation, you can use our solar sizing tool to estimate your potential generation and export.