ESB Networks Limited – established as Independent Distribution System Operator
The board of ESB has approved the establishment of ESB Networks Limited to act as the independent Distribution System Operator (DSO) in the Republic Of Ireland. ESB Networks Limited was incorporated in January 2009 and became the holder of the DSO License from January 1st, 2009.
The new company is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESB but will operate independently of ESB in relation to its DSO functions subject to ESB Board overall financial and corporate governance oversight.The establishment of ESB Networks Ltd. was needed to comply with an EU Directive from 2003 (enacted in Irish Law by Statutory Instrument No. 280 of 2008) which required that a legal entity (i.e. a company), separate from Generation and Supply, be established to manage the functions of the DSO. The objective of this legislation is to increase market confidence in the ability of the DSO to act independently when making decisions in relation to the operation, maintenance and development of the distribution network.
The arrangements for the establishment of ESB Networks Limited were approved by the ESB Board and were developed in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and with the CER over the past two years. A comprehensive legal framework was put in place to give the new Company the powers and functions it needs to carry out its responsibilities. This includes a series of contracts between ESB Networks Ltd and ESB to give the new company access to the resources and assets of ESB Networks Business Unit. The preparation phase culminated in Minister Eamon Ryan setting the Transfer Date of January 1st 2009 to give effect to the new arrangements.
ESB Networks Ltd has its own Board of Directors. John Shine has been appointed by ESB as Chairman and Managing Director and he is joined on the Board by three other ESB Executives – Bernard Byrne, John Redmond and Luke Shinnors. In addition, there are two external Directors, Des Geraghty and Gina Quinn.
The existing Senior Management Team of ESB Networks has transferred to ESB Networks Limited also. All other staff in ESB Networks will remain as ESB employees under the direction of ESB Networks Limited, and the ESB Networks organisation structure and reporting arrangements will remain as at present.
At a ceremony to mark incorporation of the new company the signing of the various Contracts, ESB Networks Limited Managing Director John Shine highlighted the importance of this change in building on the very robust business separation arrangements that were already in place since year 2000 to ring-fence ESB Networks from the Generation and Supply functions in ESB. He said he hoped that "the new arrangements will further enhance the confidence which the market and all industry players have in ESB Networks in the nondiscriminatory and independent carrying out of its DSO functions". He particularly welcomed the appointment of Gina Quinn and Des Geraghty to the Board of the Company and said that their experience and standing will be of great benefit to the Company as well as giving further assurance to industry players and customers.
Equally he said he wanted to reassure staff and customers that the new arrangements will not impact on ESB Networks commitment to its people, to customer service, to infrastructure delivery and to sustainability. He said 'ESB Networks' is already a recognised brand name internally and externally that differentiates our role from the other parts of ESB and he looked forward to ESB Networks Limited continuing to deliver for customers, for the industry and for ESB Group.
Gina Quin graduated from UCD with an MBA in 1988 having graduated with a BA Psychology in 1980.Gina started her working career with Lansdowne Market Research as a qualitative researcher and working closely with marketing professionals in the fmcg sector.
She then moved to the Irish Trade Board where she worked with a variety of companies on export market development in Europe and USA. Having completed her MBA, Gina joined the Rehab Group in 1989, working in marketing and sales management before taking on the role of CEO of Gandon Enterprises, the Commercial division of the Group.In 2000 Gina was appointed CEO of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the leading business organisation for companies in the Greater Dublin Area.
With a brief to influence key decision makers and to connect businesses, Gina works closely with Government and business leaders, in addition to having strong international connections.
Gina has served on a number of boards including the Dublin Docklands Authority, Bord Bia, ICCL and has a strong commitment to volunteering, including mentoring of current UCD MBA students.
A Dubliner from the Liberties, Des Geraghty is the former President of SIPTU, Ireland's largest trade union.
Over many years Des has been an active participant in public affairs and a commentator on economic and social issues in Ireland.
He is a former member of the European Parliament, the National Economic and Social Council, the National Competitiveness Council and the RTÉ Authority.
Des Geraghty is currently Chairman of the Affordable Homes Partnership and a member of the Board of FAS.
He has life long interests in social history, the Irish language, culture and tradition. He writes poetry, has presented a number of radio and television programmes on Irish music and culture and is author of 'Luke Kelly, A Memoir'. His most recent book, '40 Shades of Green' looks at what it means to be Irish in today's world.
