CRU MC: Strategic Communications and Public Relations Support

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator. The CRU’s mission is to protect the public interest in Water, Energy and Energy Safety. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business. The sectors we regulate underpin Irish economic competitiveness, investment and growth, while also contribute to our international obligations to address climate change. The CRU is committed to playing its role to help deliver a secure, low carbon future at the least possible cost, while ensuring energy is supplied safely, empowered and protected customers pay reasonable prices and we deliver a sustainable, reliable and efficient future for energy and water. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 is a legally binding act that sets Ireland on a pathway to a climate resilient and climate-neutral economy by 2050. Underpinned by annual Climate Action Plans, this is accelerating the decarbonisation of the Irish economy at a rate that has never been seen before. The CRU has a central role in ensuring that this decarbonisation is achieved in a secure and cost-effective manner, while protecting customers. The speed and level of growth necessitated by Irish Government and European policy will require strong and balanced regulation by the CRU, to ensure that Ireland’s citizens benefit from this investment into the future. This evolution places the CRU in a critical position as the regulator responsible for the electricity, gas and water sectors, which underpin the Irish economy. The CRU will need to upscale communications and stakeholder engagement functions and activities over the course of its next three-year Strategic Plan, in response to this increased and enduring surge in activity. This includes engagement with stakeholders to communicate the rationale and benefits of the CRU’s decisions and to improve overall awareness of the CRU in delivering the transition to net zero. Strategic communications and public relations support is needed to support the existing communications function to serve these relationships and help to ensure that Ireland's energy policy is informed by comprehensive stakeholder input. Please refer to the SRFT and associated documents attached to this CFT for more details.