Energy Safety...4 CRU Energy Safety Annual Report 2018 Contents Executive Summary 6 1. Gas Safety Regulatory Framework 8 1.1 Safety Case Assessments 9 1.2 Audits and Inspections 10

Energy SafetyAnnual Report 2018

2 CRU Energy Safety Annual Report 20172 CRU Energy Safety Annual Report 2018

3 CRU Energy Safety Annual Report 2018

ForewordTo: Mr Eamon Ryan Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland’s independent energy & water regulator with a range of economic, customer care and safety functions.

This report provides an overview of the activities of the CRU Energy Safety Division during 2018 in relation to: • Downstream natural gas; • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); • Registered gas installers; • Upstream petroleum exploration and extraction; and • Registered electrical contractors.

The CRU had a number of key achievements in 2018, including: • Acceptance of a material change to the Gas Networks Ireland Safety Case which

subsequently led to the opening of a compressed natural gas filling station at Dublin Port;

• Two successful convictions in relation to illegal gas works resulting in fines up to €10,000; and

• One successful prosecution of illegal electrical works, resulting in a €1,000 fine.

This CRU Energy Safety and Consumer Affairs Division continues to engage with the public and relevant stakeholders to maintain an appropriate standard of safety in the sectors it regulates.

This report fulfils the CRU’s reporting functions under the Gas Safety Regulatory Framework and the Petroleum Safety Framework1.

1 Section 9 (1G) (a) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended by the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (in respect of the Gas Safety Regulatory Framework) and section 13I (6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended by the Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Act 2010 and the Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Act 2015 (in respect of the Petroleum Safety Framework).


ContentsExecutive Summary 6

1. Gas Safety Regulatory Framework 8

1.1 Safety Case Assessments 9

1.2 Audits and Inspections 10

1.3 Gas Safety Incidents 10

1.4 Gas Safety Enforcement 11

1.5 Registered Gas Installers 11

1.6 Regulatory Co-operation 12

1.7 Key Performance Indicators 12

2. Petroleum Safety Regulatory Framework 16

2.1 Safety Case Assessments 17


2.3 Petroleum Safety Incidents 18

2.4 Petroleum Safety Enforcement 18



3. Electrical Safety Supervision 20

3.1 Enforcement 21

3.2 Promotion and Public Awareness 21

Conclusion 23

Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 24


9 AUDITS/ INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED

19NATURAL GAS/LPG INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED

7 INSPECTIONSCONDUCTED

3 SUCCESSFULPROSECUTIONS

1 SUCCESSFULPROSECUTION

OF ADULT POPULATION AWARE OF THE SCHEME

OF HOMEOWNERS AWARE OF THE SCHEME

RGIs REGISTEREDTO THE SCHEME2,999

RECs REGISTERED TO THE SAFE ELECTRIC SCHEME

4,122

GAS SAFETY FRAMEWORK

PETROLEUM SAFETY FRAMEWORK

ELECTRICAL SAFETY SUPERVISION

1 IMPROVEMENTNOTICE ISSUED

77%

75%


Executive Summary

This report provides an overview to the public and the Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport of the CRU’s work on the Gas Safety Framework (GSF), the Petroleum Safety Framework (PSF) and Electrical Safety Supervision in 2018.

As part of our work under the GSF, in 2018 the CRU accepted a material change to the Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) Distribution Safety Case. This update was to take account of the installation and commissioning of the first public Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station on the gas network, which is located in Dublin Port.

The CRU carried out six audits/inspections of GNI, one audit for each of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) undertakings, Calor Teoranta Ltd and Flogas Ireland Ltd, and one audit of a gas shipper/ supplier, Panda Power.

The CRU issued one enforcement action under the GSF in 2018. This was issued to GNI in relation to entry of non-odourised gas into the gas transmission network in 2017.

Key performance indicators are submitted to the CRU on a quarterly basis by GNI and LPG undertakings. In 2018, they indicated that there had been a decrease in the number of meter tampering events recorded and an increase in the number of enquiries to the dial-before-you-dig helpline.

There were 2,999 Registered Gas Installers (RGIs) in the regulatory scheme at the end of 2018. Three successful convictions were taken in relation to illegal gas works in 2018. Certificate sales at the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII) were recorded at 297,150. It is mandatory for RGI’s to issue a completion certificate for all regulated works completed. The RGII was 98% compliant with monitoring the works of RGI’s with respect to safety as set out in their approved inspection and audit programme.

A 2018 survey for an RGI advertising campaign launched in 2016, showed that 77% of the adult population were aware of the scheme, up from 66% in 2017.


Executive Summary


In 2018, the fiꢀh year of the operation of the PSF, the CRU continued to monitor designated petroleum activities carrying out a total of seven inspections. The CRU also assessed material change applications which included amendments to a safety case in relation to implementation of the EU Offshore Safety Directive for PSE Kinsale Energy Limited and change of operator at the Bellanaboy Gas Terminal.

Key performance indicators in the form of safety performance reports were submitted to the CRU on a quarterly basis by the two petroleum operators. No significant issues were identified from analysis of these KPI’s.

Six petroleum safety incidents were reported to the CRU in 2018. One of these, a natural gas release, resulted in an enforcement action, namely an intent to issue an improvement notice on PSE Kinsale Energy Limited. This incident was also reported to the EU Commission.

To ensure that regulation meets international best practice, the CRU continued to engage with national and European regulators and governmental agencies.

Overall, the CRU is satisfied with how the Safe Electric Scheme progressed in 2018. By the end of 2018, 4,122 Registered Electrical Contractors (REC’s) were registered with Safe Electric and there were 88 investigations into allegations of illegal electrical works. One successful conviction was taken against an individual undertaking electrical works illegally in December 2018.

Certificate sales at Registered Electrical Contractors of Ireland (RECI) were recorded at 159,335. It is mandatory for RECI’s to issue a completion certificate for all regulated works completed. RECI were 99.4% compliant with monitoring the works of RECI’s with respect to safety as set out in their approved inspection and audit programme.

The CRU carries out an annual Safe Electric awareness campaign across television, radio, digital, and print. In 2018, survey results showed that 75% of the target audience of homeowners had seen the campaign in at least one format, a 13% increase from the previous year.

Executive Summary

Further information on the safety functions of the CRU can be found at www.cru.ie



Gas Safety Regulatory Framework

Gas Safety Regulatory Framework1.1 Safety Case Assessments 9


1.3 Gas Safety Incidents 10

1.4 Gas Safety Enforcement 11

1.5 Registered Gas Installers 12



1


Gas SafetyRegulatoryFramework1.1 Safety Case Assessments x

1.2 Audits and Inspections x

1.3 Gas Safety Incidents x

1.4 Gas SAfett Enforcement x

1.5 Publications x

1.6 Registered Gas Installers x

1.7 Domestic Gas Safety Promotion and Public Awareness x



1.1 Safety Case Assessments

Natural Gas and LPG undertakings are required to submit a safety case to the CRU as part of their licence application in accordance with the Gas Safety Regulatory Framework Safety Case Guidelines. During 2018, the Safety Case Guidelines were updated to incorporate the upcoming introduction of renewable natural gas into the natural gas network.

In 2018, the CRU accepted a material change to GNI’s distribution system operators’ safety case to take account of the introduction of CNG assets into the GNI gas network and the opening of Irelands first publicly accessible CNG station at Dublin Port. One safety case for a new CNG supplier was accepted; Circle K.

Table 1: All undertakings with an accepted Safety Case.

Transmission and Distribution of natural gasGas Networks Ireland (GNI)

Gas StoragePSE Kinsale Energy

Shipper/SupplierBord Gáis EnergyEnergiaElectric IrelandESB Independent EnergyFlogas Natural Gas LtdGazprom Marketing & Trading Retail Ltd Go PowerPanda PowerSSE Airtricity Vayu LtdPinergy

SupplierJust EnergyPrepay PowerCircle K

The CRU regulates the safety performance of the downstream Irish natural gas and LPG industry. The scope of the relevant legislation includes the safety regulation of all-natural gas and LPG undertakings, including storage, transmission, distribution, supply, and shipping.

LPG DistributionCalor TeorantaFlogas Ireland Ltd.

Shipper of Natural Gas Aughinish AluminaElectroRouteESB Energy InternationalHuntstown PowerManx UtilitiesPSE Kinsale EnergyStatoil Exploration Ireland LimitedStatoil Gas Hibernia LtdShell Energy Europe LimitedSSE Energy Supply LimitedTynagh Energy LtdVayu Energy LimitedVermilion Energy Ireland LimitedDanske Commodities



1.2 Audits and Inspections

As part of its annual work programme, the CRU agrees an audit and inspection programme for natural gas and LPG undertakings. The review topics are decided taking into account previous audit and inspection findings, incident reports and safety case risk ratings.

Gas Networks IrelandGNI - performing the functions of Distribution and Transmission System Operator (DSO/TSO) was subject to six audits and inspections in 2018. GNI followed up on the findings and recommendations from the audits and inspections within specified timeframes. The CRU monitors GNI’s progress through a programme of scheduled verification meetings.

LPG UndertakingsTwo audits were undertaken by the CRU of licenced LPG undertakings in 2018. Calor Teoranta and Flogas Ireland Ltd had their meter replacement programmes audited. As with the DSO/TSO, all findings and recommendations have been reported to the LPG undertakings for follow up within timeframes.

The CRU also inspected 7 LPG distribution networks that do not currently come under the GSF operated by unlicensed operators. The CRU began planning a method to regulate these piped LPG distribution networks to ensure compliance with the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (as amended).

Shippers/Supplier AuditsOne gas shipper/supplier audit was completed in 2018; Panda Power. The purpose of this audit was to ensure compliance with the GSF and to verify that previously raised actions had been addressed satisfactorily.

1.3 Gas Safety Incidents

The CRU monitors all licensed undertakings’ safety performance and investigates incidents. The CRU also review all reported incidents for appropriate learnings to help prevent reoccurrence.

The criteria for natural gas incident reporting have been operational since 2009. Furthermore, additional regulations in 2014 made it a legal requirement for certain LPG incidents to be reported to the CRU2. The specified incident types for natural gas and LPG are:

A – Involves a fatality B – Injury requiring hospitalisation C – Property damage in excess of €6,349 (natural gas) or €6,500 (LPG).

Nineteen incidents were reported to the CRU during 2018. On further investigation, three did not meet the CRU’s reporting requirements. A breakdown, by category of the remaining incidents is set out in Table 2.

Table 2: Incidents Reported to the CRU in 2018

Incident Type A/B/C

Reportable under Guidelines N/A Voluntary

Reported LPG Total

Natural Gas 1 9 1 - 11

LPG 4 - - 1 5

2 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Incident) Regulations 2014 (SI No: 77); and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Incident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2014 (SI No: 78).



Table 2 also shows Reportable under Guidelines (RuG) incidents for natural gas and voluntary reported LPG incidents which do not fall under Type A, B or C incidents. These are reported under agreed procedures with both natural gas and LPG undertakings.

There were 5 Type B or C incidents reported in 2018. For further information on CRU incident types see www.cru.ie. There were two type B incidents that required medical attention and three type C incidents which led to loss or damage to buildings in excess of €6,348.69. There were no type A incidents reported to CRU in 2018.

1.4 Gas Safety Enforcement

Following CRU’s investigation into the entry of non-odourised gas to GNI’s transmission network on the 21st September 2017, the CRU issued an Improvement Notice to GNI on the 18th January 2018. The notice required GNI to undertake 3 separate actions to address the deficiencies identified in its management of the risk of entry of non-odourised gas entering the network. GNI provided submissions in respect of the two actions due in 2018. The third action is due for completion by 31st December 2020, and the notice remains open until all actions are completed. Full details of the incident and CRU’s investigation and follow up enforcement actions are available in an information paper entitled Entry of Non-odourised Gas to the Transmission Network in September 2017, CRU 18157 published on 1st August 2018.

1.5 Registered Gas Installers

The CRU discharges its safety regulation of domestic gas installers through the Gas Safety Supervisory Body (GSSB). The GSSB’s duties and responsibilities are set out in the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended, and in the Gas Safety Supervisory Criteria Document.

In 2015, following a competitive public procurement process, the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland Ltd. (RGII) was reappointed to the role of GSSB. RGII’s contract runs for seven years from January 2016.

1.5.1 The Registration of Gas Installers The CRU regulates the activities of domestic gas installers with respect to safety through the RGI scheme. From January 2021, the RGI scheme will be extended to include non-domestic gas works. The scheme is operated by Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII) on behalf of the CRU. Separately, the CRU investigates and prosecutes individuals who break the law by operating illegally outside the RGI scheme. Applicants to the RGI Scheme are required to meet minimum training requirements at entry to the scheme. The competence of individual installers and contractors is further tested through an ongoing inspection process. New-RGIs are required to undergo two inspections in their first year of registration, followed by at least one annual inspection thereaꢀer. RGIs must also adhere to the scheme's rules of registration including ongoing training, completion certificates, and insurance. This will ensure consumers can be confident that the existing high standards of safety are maintained within the scheme.

1.5.2 Enforcement In 2018, the CRU initiated 78 investigations into reported allegations of illegal gas works. Three successful gas prosecutions were undertaken, bringing the total to 38 since the introduction of the registration scheme in 2009.



The remaining reports received are either still under investigation or were not taken forward mainly due to the lack of evidence an offence had taken place in the Republic of Ireland.

Table 3: 2018 Gas Prosecutions

Date Conviction Fine Costs Total

February 2018

A man was convicted of two counts of illegally undertaking gas works and one count of portraying himself as an RGI.

€10,000€1,500 plus VAT awarded to the CRU.

€11,845

May 2018A man was convicted of 12 offences of illegally portraying himself as an RGI.

€7,000

€5,000 to the CRU and €1,000 to an affected homeowner.

€13,000

June 2018 A man was convicted for illegally carrying out gas works. €100

€1,500 plus VAT awarded to the CRU.

€1,945

1.6 Regulatory Co-operation

The CRU hosted the annual European pipeline authority meeting which was attended by representatives from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and the UK. The mission of the European Pipeline Authorities is to provide a forum for those European Authorities responsible for the regulation of national pipelines and their Pipeline Inspectorates to exchange information and experiences related to the design, construction, commissioning, and operation and decommissioning of pipelines.

1.7 Key Performance Indicators

To ensure the safe supply of gas, the CRU receives reports against a number of key performance indicators from natural gas undertakings and the GSSB. These help the CRU ensure compliance with the Gas Safety Framework and the Gas Safety Supervisory Criteria Document. A number of key performance indicators are documented below.

1.7.1 Domestic Gas Safety Promotion and Public Awareness Under the Gas Safety Regulatory Framework, the CRU works with individual gas suppliers, the gas network operator and the gas industry generally to increase the public’s awareness of gas safety, in particular around the dangers of carbon monoxide and gas escapes. It is also important home owners and occupiers are cognisant of their responsibilities for the maintenance of gas fittings and appliances and to only use an RGI to carry out installation and servicing.

The 2018 promotion programme continued to focus on developing awareness among the public of gas escapes, carbon monoxide, ‘dial before you dig’ and the RGI scheme. Further details on the RGI scheme campaign are outlined below.

A new advertising campaign for the RGI scheme was started in 2016 and continued through 2017 and 2018. This covered TV, press radio and digital featuring Daniel O’Donnell. Surveys following the 2018 advertising campaign showed that 77% of the adult population are aware of the scheme, up from 66% in 2017 and 64% in 2016. As anticipated, people who own their own homes or have natural gas in their homes are more likely to be aware of the scheme than tenants (see Figure 1).



Figure 1: Results of survey demonstrating that awareness of the Registered Gas Installers Scheme varies between home owners and tenants and whether natural gas is used in the home or not.

1.7.2 Monitoring of Gas Meters Meters are monitored by reviewing meter-tampering incidents, meter joint gas escapes and by implementing the meter replacement programme. In 2018, 246 occasions of meter tampering were recorded. This represents a significant decrease since 2013 (see Figure 2). Meter tampering events recorded in 2013 increased substantially as a result of an increase in detection during this period. GNI’s Revenue Protection team, combined with gas meter inspections, continue to monitor possible incidents.

Figure 2: Number of meter tampering events recorded from 2009 to 2018.

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No. of meters replaced Running Total ꢌeters replaced

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Sum of PE- Number ofꢍ ꢌains hits Sum of PE- Number ofꢍ Service hits

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TELEVISIꢎN RADIꢎ PRINT DIGITAL

Not seen/heard ad Seen/heard ad

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Figure 3: Numbers of meters replaced since the meter replacement programme began in 2011

Figure 4: Third Party damage by type from 2009 – 2018


1.7.3 Third Party Damage to Pipelines CRU is provided with the number of third party damage incidents to gas pipelines. On the gas distribution system, 89 third-party damage instances occurred to gas mains and 461 to gas services in 2018.

GNI aims to mitigate instances of third-party damage through active promotion of the ‘Dial Before You Dig’ advertising campaign. In addition, it runs initiatives to promote the sharing of map data.

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Figure 5: Number of enquires made to the Dial Before you Dig helpline from 2009 – 2018.


The Dial Before You Dig campaign has been running since 2009. It encourages anyone undertaking excavations to contact GNI to check whether they will be working in the area of gas pipelines. The campaign targets particular workers, which means the results of the general research on awareness levels is not applicable.

The numbers of enquiries to the dial before you dig service appeared to tail off between 2013 and 2017. GNI recognised this and a new campaign was launched at the start of 2018. The success of this campaign can be demonstrated in the increase in numbers in 2018, to 8,088 enquiries.

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Petroleum Safety Regulatory Framework2.1 Safety Case Assessments 16


2.3 Petroleum Safety Incidents 17

2.4 Petroleum Safety Enforcement 18

2.5 Decommissioning 18



2Petroleum Safety Regulatory Framework


Petroleum Safety Regulatory Framework

Three production safety permits were live in 2018;

• SP08A for PSE Kinsale Energy Ltd for the Kinsale Head, Ballycotton and Southwest Kinsale gas field;

• SP09A for PSE Kinsale Seven Heads Ltd, Island (Seven Heads) Ltd (Sunningdale Oils Ireland Ltd) (issued 2016) for the Seven Heads gas field; and

• SP16 for Vermillion E&P Ireland Limited, Equinor Energy Ireland Limited and Vermillion Energy Ireland Limited Nephin Energy Limited for the Corrib gas field.

2.1 Safety Case Assessments

Following assessment of a material change application by the CRU, a safety permit was issued to Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited, Vermilion Energy Ireland Limited, Equinor Energy Ireland Limited and Nephin Energy Limited in 2018. This material change to an existing safety case took account of the change of operator at the Bellanaboy Bridge gas terminal from Shell E&P Ireland Limited to Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited.

To take account of petroleum framework updates resulting from EU Offshore Safety Directive 2013/30/EU, findings from inspections and other changes to the production installation, CRU also received a material change application from PSE Kinsale Energy Limited in July 2018.

Two Acknowledgements of Compliance (AoC) were assessed by CRU in 2018 for vessels, the Helix Well Enhancer and the Stena IceMax. Furthermore, a well work safety permit was submitted to the CRU by China National Offshore Oil Corporation for assessment, which continued into 2019.

2.2 Audits and Inspections

In order to assess compliance with the safety permit, the CRU develops an annual audit and inspection plan for each production facility in January of each year. In 2018, the CRU carried out seven inspections.

Reports of Audit and Inspection (ROAIs) are issued to the petroleum undertakings/operators as appropriate. The recipients must submit a plan to the CRU for addressing the findings set out in the ROAIs within one month of receipt. The CRU tracks the findings of the inspections as part of its ongoing monitoring function. This ensures that all actions and findings are closed out.

The CRU continued to monitor designated petroleum activities by assessing safety cases, issuing safety permits, investigating petroleum incidents, carrying out audits and inspections, taking enforcement action and reviewing key performance indicators.




2.3 Petroleum Safety Incidents

Six petroleum incidents were reported to CRU in 2018. One incident related to the release of approximately eight kilograms of unignited natural gas. While the incident is not classed as a major accident hazard, it was followed up by the CRU and resulted in an intent to issue an improvement notice on the petroleum undertaking. All other incidents were followed up and closed out to the satisfaction of the CRU.

Table 4: Number of petroleum safety incidents in 2018

Inspection Type NumberA Unintended release of oil, gas or other hazardous substances, whether or not

ignited 1

B Loss of well control requiring actuation of well control equipment, or failure of a well barrier requiring its replacement or repair

0

C Failure of a safety (and environmentally) critical element: Any loss or non-availability of a S(E)CE requiring Immediate Remedial Action

0

H Any serious injury 0

Any evacuation of personnel 2

N Mustering on onshore or offshore petroleum infrastructure, other than for planned drills.

3

Total incidents 6

2.4 Petroleum Safety Enforcement

The CRU may issue enforcement actions on the grounds of non-compliance with a safety permit. Where the CRU identifies a breach of the safety permit, the CRU decides on the appropriate enforcement action depending on its seriousness. This breach may be identified during an audit, inspection or following notification of an incident.

One enforcement was issued to a petroleum undertaking in 2018 to PSE Kinsale Energy Limited. This was an intent to issue an improvement notice. Further details on this incident are provided in section 2.5.

2.5 Key Performance Indicators

Operators and owners must submit quarterly safety performance reports to the CRU. These reports set out leading and lagging safety performance indicators. For 2018, these continued to be in line with trends of previous years and were in line with CRU expectations.

As with all offshore petroleum safety regulators across the EU, the CRU is required to submit an annual report to the European Commission relating to specific petroleum incidents. One incident was reported to the Commission in 2018.

This incident was reported to the CRU on 16 March 2018 by PSE Kinsale Energy. Approximately 8 kg of unignited natural gas was released over 35 minutes during routine operational activities. This incident is not classed as a major accident hazard as there was no ignition of gas. The incident occurred outdoors in a well-ventilated area and did not set off any gas detectors. There were no reported injuries to personnel.



2.6 Regulatory Co-operation

To ensure that the Petroleum Safety Framework meets international best practice, the CRU continued to engage with national governmental agencies and European regulators, including the European Union Offshore Authorities Group (EUOAG) and the North Sea Offshore Authorities Forum (NSOAF). The CRU also attended the International Regulators Forum as an observer.

Interactions with groups such as the NSOAF, the EUOAG and international regulators ensure the CRU regularly shares knowledge with European and international counterparts to maintain high standards of safety regulation.

The CRU also hosted two petroleum safety tripartite meetings to facilitate dialogue and co-operation between offshore safety representatives, operators and owners.

6pertrolem

incidents were reported to CRU in 2018


Electrical Safety Supervision

Electrical SafetySupervision3.1 Enforcement 20

3.2 Promotion and Public Awareness 213



Electrical SafetySupervision

Applicants to the Safe Electric register are required to meet minimum training requirements at entry to the scheme. The competence of individual contractors is further tested through an ongoing inspection process. Newly registered electrical contractors (REC) are required to undergo two inspections in their first year of registration, followed by at least one annual inspection thereaꢀer. RECs must also adhere to the Scheme's rules of registration including ongoing training, completion certificates, and insurance. This will ensure consumers can be confident that the existing high standards of safety are maintained within the scheme.

3.1 Enforcement

During 2018, the CRU commenced 88 investigations into allegations of illegal electrical works. One successful prosecution was undertaken. Since the introduction of Restricted Electrical Works in October 2013, the CRU has undertaken nine successful prosecutions against individuals illegally carrying out electrical works.

The remaining reports received are either still under investigation or were not taken forward mainly due to the lack of evidence an offence had taken place in the Republic of Ireland.

Table 5: 2018 Prosecutions

Date Conviction Fine Costs TotalDecember 2018 A man was convicted for illegally

undertaking Restricted Electrical Works.

€500 €1,845 plus VAT to the CRU.

€2,770

3.1 Promotion and Public Awareness

The CRU runs an annual Safe Electric awareness campaign across television, radio, digital, and print. The current campaign is called ‘Not all cowboys ride horses’, the focus of which is to:

• Highlight that it is illegal for non-RECs to complete most electrical works in a domestic premise;• Increase consumers’ awareness that they should only hire a Safe Electric REC when getting electrical

work done in their home;• Direct consumers to www.safeelectric.ie to find a REC; and• Ensure that consumers know to ask for a certificate when the work is complete.

In 2018, survey results showed that 75% of the target audience of homeowners had seen the campaign in at least one format, a 13% increase from the previous year. The majority of viewers had seen the campaign on television.

The CRU regulates the activities of electrical contractors with respect to safety through the Safe Electric scheme. The scheme is operated by the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland (RECI) on behalf of the CRU. Separately, the CRU investigates and prosecutes individuals who break the law by operating illegally outside the Safe Electric scheme.



Figure 6: Recollection of electrical safety adds, depending on media platform

75%of the target audience of

homeowners had seen the

campaign

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ConclusionThe Safety Division set itself high-level priorities in 2018 in support of the CRU’s strategic goal of ensuring that “energy and gas are supplied safely”. The CRU carried out audits and inspections of natural gas undertakings, LPG undertakings, petroleum operators, gas installers and electrical contractors during the year.

Safety cases and material changes were submitted by natural gas undertakings, LPG undertakings and petroleum operators and assessed by the CRU Safety Division throughout 2018. The CRU took one enforcement action against a petroleum operator and a natural gas undertaking.

During 2018, the CRU commenced 88 investigations into allegations of illegal electrical works and initiated 78 investigations into reported allegations of illegal gas works. One successful prosecution for illegal electrical works and three successful prosecutions for illegal gas works were undertaken during the year.


GlossaryAbbreviation or Term Definition or Meaning

CRU Commission for Regulation of Utilities

GSF Gas Safety Framework

PSF Petroleum Safety Framework

SSB Safety Supervisory Body

RGI Registered Gas Installer

RECI Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland

LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas

GNI Gas Networks Ireland

CNG Compressed Natural Gas

DSO Distribution System Operator

TSO Transmission System Operator

Documents

Energy Safety...4 CRU Energy Safety Annual Report 2018 Contents Executive Summary 6 1. Gas Safety Regulatory Framework 8 1.1 Safety Case Assessments 9 1.2 Audits and Inspections 10