Ireland Electricity Regulation Act 1999: Section 38 Capacity Forecast Guide
Updated 6 September 2026 · By SolarNevs Research Desk, Dealer surveys + verified sources · 1 source · Method ↗
Key Takeaways
- Section 38 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 mandates that the Board prepare and publish an annual Transmission Forecast Statement.
- Requires comprehensive forecasts of transmission capacity, power flows, circuit loading, and nodal short-circuit fault levels.
- Legally obligates the TSO to identify parts of the transmission system most suited to new generation connections.
- Mandates specific reporting on demand for electricity generated from renewable, sustainable, or alternative energy sources.
- Enforces a strict 14-day turnaround for delivering copies of the latest forecast statement upon written request.
Statutory Purpose of Section 38
Enacted under the ELECTRICITY REGULATION ACT, 1999 (Act No. 23 of 1999), Section 38 creates the legal basis for the Ten-Year Transmission Forecast Statement (TYTFS) published by EirGrid under THE COMMISSION FOR ELECTRICITY REGULATION oversight.
The forecast statement provides essential transparency, enabling solar developers, battery storage operators, and corporate energy purchasers to evaluate grid connection opportunities with rigorous engineering foresight.
Forecast Statement Content Requirements
Section 38(2) establishes mandatory statutory categories for transmission planning disclosures:
Forecast Category | Statutory Requirement | Siting & Operational Value for Solar |
|---|---|---|
Capacity & Flow Forecasts | Forecasts in respect of capacity, forecast flows and loading on transmission system | Identifies transmission corridors approaching thermal saturation |
Node Fault Levels | Fault levels for each electricity transmission node | Determines switchgear ratings and short-circuit withstand capacity |
Optimal Connection Zones | Statement identifying parts of transmission system most suited to new connections | Highlights substations with available firm and non-firm export headroom |
Renewable Energy Demand | Statement on demand for electricity generated from renewable sustainable sources | Tracks corporate PPA demand and green energy consumer procurement |
Public Access Delivery | Provide copy within fourteen days of receiving a request | Guarantees transparent access to grid planning data for developers |
Siting Utility-Scale Solar Projects Using the Forecast Statement
To maximize connection efficiency and mitigate curtailment risk under Section 38:
- Analyze Nodal Headroom: Review the latest annual forecast statement to identify transmission nodes with sufficient export capacity and low fault level constraints.
- Evaluate Suited Siting Zones: Target geographic regions specifically highlighted as suited for new generation connections under Section 38(2)(b).
- Request Full Technical Data: Exercise statutory rights under Section 38(5) to obtain detailed nodal load flow models within 14 days of filing.
Frequently asked questions
What statutory document must the Board prepare under Section 38 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999?
Under Section 38(1), the Board must prepare a forecast statement based on available information, in a form approved by the Commission (August 2026).
What technical forecasts must be included in the forecast statement?
The statement must include forecasts of capacity, power flows, circuit loading on each part of the transmission system, and fault levels for each electricity transmission node (August 2026).
Does the forecast statement identify preferred grid regions for solar and renewable generation?
Yes. Under Section 38(2)(b) and (e), it must identify parts of the transmission system most suited to new connections and state demand for renewable electricity (August 2026).
How quickly must the Board furnish a copy of the forecast statement upon public request?
Under Section 38(5), the Board must provide a copy of the latest revision within fourteen days of receiving a written request (August 2026).
References
- Irish Statute Book: Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 — accessed 31 August 2026
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