Data centres and other large energy users will be asked to use their emergency power generators to avoid power blackouts this winter.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities will today outline proposals at the Oireachtas Climate Committee to avoid energy shortages.

The body will highlight the need to "call upon the significant back-up generation of large energy users at times of system stress".

It comes as the President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen announced that an "emergency intervention" in the energy market is being worked on at EU level.

Elsewhere employers group Ibec has said it is imperative that the government provides a "robust" response to spiralling energy prices and other immediate inflationary challenges in Budget 2023.

In Association with

In its pre-budget submission, the group has suggested tax and spending measures of nearly €2bn and said that inflation must be combatted with long-term investment to enhance living standards, overall quality of life and economic resilience.