Private Wires Policy Statement

On 15 July 2025, the government adopted a Strategy Statement on Private Wires. This is a significant reform of the rules on electricity infrastructure. It will unlock private sector investment in electricity infrastructure, particularly renewable generation and storage. It will also facilitate the provision of low-cost charging solutions for electric vehicles and expand opportunities for self-supply of electricity.

At present only ESB Networks can own a line that brings electricity from a generator to an electricity customer. Following an extensive consultation exercise with industry, the government has decided that in future private investors will be able to build and own such lines in the following circumstances:

• A direct connection between a generator, for example a wind farm or solar farm, and an electricity customer, perhaps a factory that wants to decarbonise. There are situations where this is quicker and more efficient than having both parties connect to the grid;
• A wind farm or solar farm owned by one company will be able to share a grid connection with another generator or a battery installation owned by another firm. Previously this could have breached the rules prohibiting private lines;
• Private lines will be allowed where they are the solution to allow on street charging of electric vehicles; and
• To allow a firm that self-supplies electricity to provide electricity to neighbouring customer where the line does not have to cross land owned by a third party