EirGrid results

Wholesale electricity prices on the island of Ireland are 9 per cent lower due to the EirGrid East West interconnector (EWIC). 2013 saw the commencement of commercial operations for the interconnector and the 500MW link between Ireland and Britain has allowed access to cheaper power prices from across the Irish Sea.

Speaking at the launch of the company’s annual report, Chairman John O’Connor said: “EirGrid Group is responsible for ensuring that people, communities and businesses throughout the island of Ireland have a safe and reliable supply of electricity.” The company plans to upgrade its transmission grid to 2025 and O’Connor acknowledged the public reaction to the company’s plans.

“2013 saw a strong reaction from the public to our major grid development projects, which raised genuine and legitimate issues. We are committed to meaningful consultation with communities impacted by our projects and to learning from this experience, in developing the grid which is needed.”