Trystan Casey
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks) is the electricity asset owner of the transmission and distribution infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) was privatised in 1993, and since 2010 it has been a subsidiary of ESB Group. Electric Ireland has supplied electricity to 53,000 households in Northern Ireland, but in 2024, the company announced plans to stop supplying electricity to households in the region. This has raised concerns about the impact on energy prices and the potential for early exit fees for customers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity sector in Northern Ireland | Integrated with the Republic of Ireland |
| Electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland | 5 |
| Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks) | Owner of transmission and distribution infrastructure |
| Single Electricity Market | Established in 2007 for the island of Ireland |
| Electric Ireland in Northern Ireland | Will stop supplying households in the future |
| Northern Ireland Utility Regulator | Working to protect and inform consumers |
| Wind power in Northern Ireland | 35% of electricity in 2023 |
| Northern Ireland power stations | Ballylumford, Coolkeeragh, Kilroot |
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What You'll Learn
Electric Ireland is stopping supply to Northern Ireland
Electric Ireland has announced that it will stop supplying electricity to households in Northern Ireland. The provider currently supplies electricity to 53,000 households in the region, all of whom will need to switch to an alternative supplier in the future. However, Electric Ireland has not yet specified a timeline for this change, and there is no immediate action required from customers. The company has stated that it will be in touch with households to guide them through the next steps, prioritising those in vulnerable circumstances.
The Single Electricity Market, established in 2007, created a mandatory pool market for the island of Ireland, integrating the previously separate markets of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This market is supplied by a combination of coal, peat, natural gas, wind, and hydropower, with wind power accounting for a significant and growing proportion of the energy mix. In 2020, wind turbines generated 36.3% of Ireland's electrical demand, and in 2023, wind farms provided 35% of the electricity for Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks) owns the transmission and distribution infrastructure in Northern Ireland but does not generate or supply electricity. The company has three transmission interconnectors with the transmission grid in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland has three power stations: Ballylumford, Coolkeeragh, and Kilroot.
The Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has stated that it is working with Electric Ireland to ensure that consumers are protected and kept fully informed throughout the process of the company's withdrawal from the market. The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, an independent body with a legal responsibility to protect consumers' interests, offers a free market comparison tool to help residents find the cheapest energy deal.
While this development will not impact gas supply in Northern Ireland, as Electric Ireland does not supply gas to households in the region, it will nevertheless require all affected customers to switch their electricity supply to an alternative provider.
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Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks)
The history of the electricity sector in Northern Ireland dates back to 1931 with the foundation of the Electricity Board for Northern Ireland. In 1949, the Electricity Board was vested with the ownership of all public power stations in Northern Ireland. In 1958, the Belfast Corporation Electricity Department gained the authority to generate and sell electricity, and all electricity generated was sold in bulk to the Northern Ireland Joint Electricity Committee (NIJEC).
In 1991, Northern Ireland Electricity was incorporated as a government-owned public limited company, and in 1993, it was privatised as Northern Ireland Electricity plc. In 2007, the Single Electricity Market for the island of Ireland was established, creating a gross mandatory pool market for all electricity generated or imported into the island. NIE Networks sold the operator of the transmission network, SONI, to EirGrid in 2009, and in 2010, the company was acquired by the ESB for £1.2 billion.
NIE Networks owns and maintains the wires and meters for all electricity customers in Northern Ireland. The company is committed to providing a safe, secure, and reliable electricity network and is investing £2.6 billion to facilitate the ambitions of businesses in Northern Ireland. NIE Networks is also playing a crucial role in Northern Ireland's journey towards a net-zero carbon future, with the introduction of smart metering being a key part of this transition.
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Northern Ireland's electricity generation
Northern Ireland's electricity sector previously operated as part of the UK market, separate from the Republic of Ireland. However, in 2007, the System Operator Northern Ireland and EirGrid established the Single Electricity Market for the whole island of Ireland. This market mandates that all electricity generated or imported into Ireland must be sold from this market, and all wholesale electricity for consumption or export must be purchased through it.
The Single Electricity Market had approximately 2.5 million customers in 2013, with 1.8 million in the Republic and 0.7 million in Northern Ireland. The electricity supplied comes from a combination of coal, peat, natural gas, wind, and hydropower. In 2022, 34 TWh were generated. In 2018, natural gas produced 51.8% of Ireland's electricity demand, while wind turbines generated 28.1%, coal 7%, and peat 6.8%. Notably, Ireland has never had a nuclear power plant, despite the UK being one of the first countries to deploy commercial nuclear power plants.
Wind power has been increasingly important in recent years. In 2020, wind turbines generated 36.3% of Ireland's electricity demand, one of the highest percentages globally. As of 2021, the island of Ireland had 5,585 MW of installed wind power capacity, with 4,309 MW in the Republic of Ireland. In 2023, wind farms provided 35% of the island's electricity, totalling 13,725 gigawatt-hours (GWh).
Northern Ireland has three power stations: Ballylumford, Coolkeeragh, and Kilroot. Northern Ireland Electricity, a subsidiary of the ESB Group, owns the transmission and distribution networks.
In the year ending June 2024, 45.8% of total metered electricity consumption in Northern Ireland was generated from metered renewable sources located within Northern Ireland, with 82.3% of this being generated by wind.
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The Single Electricity Market
Electric Ireland is available in Northern Ireland.
The SEM has created a mandatory market for all electricity generated or imported into Ireland, and all wholesale electricity consumed or exported from the country must be purchased from this market. In 2013, the SEM served approximately 2.5 million customers, with 1.8 million in the Republic and 0.7 million in Northern Ireland.
The SEM is regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which also oversees the natural gas market. The market operator is EirGrid plc, which is owned by the Irish State. The system ensures the safe, secure, and economic operation of the high-voltage electricity grid.
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), a subsidiary of the ESB Group, owns the transmission and distribution networks in Northern Ireland. NIE carries electricity on its network in exchange for a regulated charge to the electricity supply company. As of 2011, domestic customers in Northern Ireland can purchase electricity from Electric Ireland, Power NI, Airtricity, Click Energy, or Budget Energy.
The electricity sector in Ireland has seen a significant shift towards renewable energy sources, with wind power being a key component. In 2020, wind turbines generated 36.3% of Ireland's electricity demand, one of the highest percentages globally. In 2023, wind farms provided 35% of the electricity for Ireland and Northern Ireland, totalling 13,725 gigawatt-hours (GWh).
Ireland has over 300 wind farms, and a Public Service Obligation subsidy supports the development of more renewable energy sources. The high-voltage Irish electricity transmission grid comprises 6,800 km of power lines and operates at various voltages. Grid energy storage facilities further support the system, with a combined capacity of 1.1 GW.
The future of the SEM post-Brexit is yet to be defined, and it remains to be seen how the market will evolve in relation to the rest of Europe and the UK.
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Northern Ireland's electricity interconnectors
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland previously operated as separate electricity markets. In 2007, the two Transmission System Operators established the Single Electricity Market for the island of Ireland. The Single Electricity Market serves around 2.5 million customers, with 1.8 million in the Republic and 0.7 million in Northern Ireland.
There are three electricity interconnectors linking Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The two transmission systems are connected via a double circuit 275kV line running from Tandragee in Northern Ireland to Louth in the Republic of Ireland. There are also two 110kV standby North-South interconnectors, each with a capacity of 120MW.
In addition to the interconnectors between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, there are also interconnectors between the island of Ireland and Great Britain. The Moyle Interconnector and the East-West Interconnector connect the Irish and British electricity markets. The East-West Interconnector is a 500 MW high-voltage direct current submarine and subsoil power cable connecting Dublin and the Wales-England border. It is 261-262 km (162-163 miles) in length, with 186 km (116 miles) of submarine cable and 75 km (47 miles) of subsoil cable. The Moyle Interconnector and the East-West Interconnector increase competition and security of supply, allowing electricity suppliers to enter new markets without committing to large capital expenditures.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric Ireland has announced that it will stop supplying electricity to households in Northern Ireland in the future, although no specific date has been set.
Electric Ireland has not given a reason for this change, but it has said that it will contact households to guide them through the next steps, prioritising those in vulnerable circumstances.
You will need to switch to another electricity supplier. The Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has said that it is working with Electric Ireland to ensure that consumers are protected and kept fully informed.
No, Electric Ireland does not supply gas to households in Northern Ireland.
