Ireland – October 31, 2026 -- The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has found Ireland's proposed gas transmission reference price methodology largely compliant with the EU Network Code on Harmonised Transmission Tariff Structures (NC TAR), but says the treatment of the Corrib Linkline fails the criteria for non-transmission tariffs.
ACER confirms compliance on six core EU tariff requirements
The agency concluded that the methodology proposed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) meets the requirements on cost-reflectivity, transparency, avoidance of cross-subsidisation, non-discrimination, volume risk and prevention of cross-border trade distortions. The criteria for setting the flow-based charge are also met.
Corrib Linkline is treated like a non-transmission service without formal classification
The Corrib Linkline connects the Corrib offshore gas field to the main ring of the Irish gas network. CRU proposes to recover its costs through a separate tariff, outside the transmission service. ACER found that the pipeline is handled similarly to a non-transmission service but is not formally classified as one, so the criteria for non-transmission tariffs are not fully met.
ACER also noted that the capacity forecasts rely on Ireland's Network Development Plan for 2024, which may not fully capture more recent demand shifts.
CRU proposes a forward-looking matrix based on marginal expansion costs
Under the proposal, tariff differences between network points would reflect the expected unit cost of expanding the pipeline rather than historical costs. All exit points serving domestic consumption would pay the same tariff, and all future renewable gas production points would pay a single tariff regardless of location. CRU also sets discount rules for future storage and LNG facilities, and would keep recovering allowed revenues through capacity- and commodity-based tariffs.
ACER asks CRU to reclassify the Linkline and refresh demand forecasts
ACER recommends that CRU improve the description of the Linkline's revenue and tariff structure and formally classify its use as a non-transmission service. It also calls for updated capacity forecasts. If these show cross-system flows, CRU should reassess the methodology against the relevant NC TAR principles.
In its upcoming review, CRU should also assess whether a methodology built on forward-looking marginal expansion costs remains appropriate given the energy transition and declining gas demand, ACER said.
CRU has until 16 December 2026 to adopt a motivated decision on the reference price methodology.