All Island Energy Concept Gets Voltage Surge - Keaveney

Speaking in Seanad Eireann this morning, Donegal Senator Cecilia Keaveney welcomed the ESB purchase of NI Electricity as a very positive surge towards the all-island energy supply that would assist the company, and the consumer, through economies of scale.

"Our island currently has a layout that is based around two grids that are connected by two inter-connectors. Ultimately the goal is to have just one grid and an all island wide electricity system,” Senator Keaveney said.

“Often when we hear of companies buying other companies in the same field, the concept of monopoly and job losses are obvious issues that come to mind.

“Having listened to representatives explain this issue, they said that with this they do not envisage job losses but they do envisage bigger and more efficient workings that will give economies of scale for consumers. This will mean cheaper electricity.

“This is but one example of the real economy that should be happening in that, as an island of our size, we cannot afford to operate as two separate entities. The announcement is in keeping with the focus of the North South Ministerial Council earlier this week.

“I look forward to seeing progress on this and other projects and I look forward to the drop in costs that we as consumers are promised within these economies of scale,” concluded Senator Cecilia Keaveney.