Key messages
- The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is an independent multi-sector regulator with a range of economic, customer and safety functions and duties in Ireland’s energy and water sectors. The CRU is a high-performing and well-regarded regulator that has, since its creation in 1999, successfully absorbed new functions and developed and implemented major policy reforms for the benefit of Irish consumers and the country’s economy.
- As the regulator continues to implement complex projects in a rapidly changing and uncertain policy context, its institutional and organisational capacity to operate effectively needs to be bolstered through integrated reforms to upgrade some of its external and internal governance functions, including strategic planning and human resource management mechanisms.
- These changes and reforms are not “nice to have” improvements. Rather, they should be seen as a comprehensive and necessary reform package that will enable the regulator to enhance its performance, stand up to future scrutiny and ensure that the multiple challenges it faces are adequately addressed.
Further reading
- OECD (2017), Creating a Culture of Independence: Practical Guidance against Undue Influence, Brochure
- OECD (2014), OECD Best Practice Principles for Regulatory Policy: The Governance of Regulators, OECD Publishing, Paris
- OECD (2014), OECD Framework for Regulatory Policy Evaluation, OECD Publishing, Paris
- OECD (2012), Recommendation of the Council on Regulatory Policy and Governance, OECD, Paris
- Network of Economic Regulators
- Performance of regulators
LAUNCH OF THE REPORT, 21 February 2018, DUBLIN