On 01 July 2006, EirGrid plc took over the operation of Ireland's electricity transmission system. As Transmission System Operator (TSO) from that date, EirGrid is responsible for operating Ireland's national electricity transmission system - otherwise known as the national grid. This includes planning and developing the system, scheduling and dispatching generation, operating the electricity market and ensuring system security. It has eight board members, appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
EirGrid has approximately 250 highly-skilled staff and contractors who work on the operation of the electricity market and power system and, with the Regulators and System Operators, Northern Ireland, on the development of a new All Island Market for Electricity. It is developing new East-West and North-South interconnectors.
EirGrid is owned by the Irish State and is established as a result of a government decision to create an independent organisation to carry out the TSO function, in order to assist the liberalisation of Ireland's electricity industry and the development of a competitive market.
Why are Welsh people paying more for their electricity and who is profiting?