EirGrid established as independent electricity Grid operator
Avery significant development in the introduction of competition to the Irish electricity market took place the first weekend in July. A stateowned company, EirGrid plc, has taken over the role of independent electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO).
The vesting of EirGrid as the Transmission System Operator and as Market Operator in the wholesale electricity trading system took effect from Saturday 1st July 2006. EirGrid's independent status will assist the development of the competitive power market in Ireland. It provides transmission services to all users of the power system and market, including all generators, suppliers, and directly-connected high voltage customers. The electricity transmission system, often termed the national power grid, delivers electricity in bulk to all regions of Ireland. It is managed and operated by EirGrid plc, which is independent of all parties in the electricity sector.
The power is brought to 100 major transportation points nationally on the transmission system operated by EirGrid. From there, electricity is brought on the final part of its route to customers via the lower voltage network operated by a separate body, the Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks. As well as being Independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) on the high voltage system, EirGrid plc is the Market Operator and settlement administrator in the wholesale power market.
Mr Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, who officially marked the vesting of the grid operator by visiting EirGrid's National Control Centre, said 'EirGrid's new future has now started. I wish the organisation and the staff every success in making a pivotal contribution to Ireland's energy security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness'.
Ms Bernie Gray, EirGrid Chairperson, stated that 'EirGrid is committed to developing, maintaining and operating a safe, secure, reliable, economical and efficient transmission system, for the benefit of all electricity customers.'
EirGrid's Chief Executive, Dermot Byrne, said 'We are dedicated to be operating in a progressive, efficient, and customer-focused way, delivering quality connection, transmission and market services to our customers and putting in place the grid infrastructure required to support the development of Ireland's economy.'
