IBEC welcome new electricity strategy
IBEC have today welcomed the publication of the Eirgrid 'Grid 25' strategy on the development of the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure up to the year 2025.
The group stressed the need to upgrade the infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner.
IBEC Director of Policy, Danny McCoy, said: “A reliable and cost-effective electricity transmission infrastructure underpins inward investment, regional economic development and allows us to harness indigenous sources of renewable energy, such as wind and wave.
"The Eirgrid strategy clearly illustrates the need to put in place the infrastructure needed to meet these ambitions."
"Transmission infrastructure is critical for business, which accounts for 62.5% of the total energy consumption in the electricity retail market. In difficult economic times it is vital that this infrastructure is delivered quickly and cost effectively.
"The findings of the recent Ecofys study, which illustrate the significant cost and reliability merits of overhead lines versus underground cables, must be used in the implementation of this strategy.
Mr McCoy said: "Capital funding for this strategic infrastructure should be provided through the National Development Plan, in order to protect consumers from shouldering the burden of years of under-investment in the electricity network."
