View this email in your browser Business Today Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader Regulators have cut their estimate for Ireland’s electricity needs in the next decade despite signs of growing pressure on existing supplies, writes Barry O’Halloran, sparking fears that the State will not secure enough power to meet increasing demand. It comes as US multinationals – through the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland – call on the Government to set out a “clearly defined funding stream” in Budget 2027 for what it says are grid improvements needed if Ireland wants to continue to attract US foreign direct investment. Ian Curran has the details of AmCham’s wishlist. Back on the corporate front, the board of ferries operator Irish Continental has said it “continues to consider the terms of the acquisition [by management] fair and reasonable”, having considered the view of shareholders who argue the offer undervalues the company. The move came hours before Pageant Investments said it had voted against the proposed sale. Ciarán Hancock and Peter Flanagan report. Continue Reading Dominic Coyle   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Reduced estimate for future electricity demand raises awkward questions for EirGrid Business Apple introduces App Store changes Business TikTok starts offering redundancy agreements to staff in Dublin Economy US multinationals call for ‘clearly defined’ funding for energy grid improvements Business Regulators cut estimates of future electricity demand despite signs of pressure on grid John McManus Why don’t Irish people want to be Dublin Bus drivers anymore? MORE BUSINESS STORIES Business Shares slide as surging oil prices and bond yields dent confidence Business Improved Ber rating can boost home value, notes fresh analysis Business New €2 charge for online shoppers – what you need to know Business ICG board says buyout offer ‘fair and reasonable’ amid shareholder criticism Do you have questions about becoming an Irish Times subscriber, or about your subscription? You'll find handy guides in our FAQs, and you can manage many aspects of your subscription in the My Account section. Never miss a business story Subscribe now for just €1 for your first month SUBSCRIBE