Directed Contract Round 36: Q1 2027 to Q4 2027

Date published:

Today, 3 September 2026, the Regulatory Authorities (RAs) are publishing an 
Information Note on the quantities and prices for the "Round 36” offerings 
of Directed Contracts (DCs).  

The RAs are notifying market participants that zero volumes were output 
from the DC Market Concentration Model for DC Round 36, consequently, 
zero volumes are being offered for this DC Round. The RAs have 
progressed the review of the Market Concentration Model (SEM-24-038
alongside appointed consultants (NERA) to publish Consultation. The 
Consultation Paper was published (SEM-26-26) on 29 June 2026 and has 
now closed. The RAs are currently reviewing responses received.  
DCs are part of the RAs’ market power mitigation strategy to ensure that the 
benefits associated with the SEM are not undermined by the abuse of 
market power. The purpose of these contracts is to remove the incentive on 
ESB Power Generation to attempt to profit from the use of market power.  

For further information please contact the Market Modelling Group 
(mmg@cru.ie) at the CRU or Kevin Baron (kevin.baron@uregni.gov.uk) at 
the Utility Regulator. 

Link to SEM-26-54 Information Paper - Round 36 of Quarterly Directed Contracts Quantities and Prices.