Government White Paper on Energy published

The energy White Paper was published by the government in early March against a global backdrop of serious energy and environmental challenges. The White Paper follows the publication last year of a Green Paper on Energy and is the first major energy policy review in 30 years.

Among the issues highlighted are security of supply, sustainability and industry competitiveness, all of which are critical issues for the country.

Responding to the White Paper, Chief Executive Padraig McManus said "ESB looks forward to working with Government and all Industry players to ensure that the ambitious targets contained in the White Paper are achieved".

The Board of ESB will consider in detail the White Paper at the April GBM and a detailed response will issue. Chief Executive, Padraig McManus welcomed the "testing targets" for renewable generation set out in the White Paper.

He commended the company and its staff for demonstrating "our ability to implement major change" and said ESB will continue to do so. "This has and will position the company for a future of competition, regulation and growth while at the same time delivering major benefits to customers," he added.

The Chief Executive also welcomed the strong support contained within the White Paper for future ESB growth through ESBI.

The White Paper also contains a number of policy proposals which could have significant impact on ESB in financial, operational and people terms. The company is committed to rigorously reviewing these policy proposals in the immediate time ahead and bringing the outcome of this review to the April Board meeting. Following this there will be a comprehensive engagement with all relevant parties to ensure the best possible outcome for ESB and its customers.

Speaking following a briefing with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey T.D., the Chief Executive commented on some of the headline proposals contained in the White Paper. Addressing the issue of the ownership of the transmission grid, The Chief Executive said he hoped that the focus of the White Paper would not be solely on the juggling of State assets between two State companies, he questioned whether this measure will bring down prices as both companies operate in the regulated environment. The Chief Executive said the matter is not a competition issue and speculated that such a move may increase costs.

Padraig McManus urged staff to continue the ongoing process of performance improvement, business change and development. "This is our guarantee of long term success and will serve to support our position in the final debate on these complex issues," he added.