A long promised Government review of the review of this State's energy policy was initiated today when Department for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, confirmed it is inviting tenders from consultants for the study.
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dempsey
The review aims to identify ways to offer good value for money to consumers while at the same time providing security of energy supplies into the future.
The obstacle to this situation at the moment is the ESB's dominance in electricity generation in the Republic. Even with the coming on stream of new stations from Aughinish Alumina and Tynagh Energy, the ESB will retain at least 60 per cent of the generating capacity of the Republic.
According to a statement from the Department today the consultants will be asked to examine the existing institutional arrangements and market structures and assess their appropriateness.
They will also be required to make clear recommendations, supported by detailed business cases, on the most suitable arrangements for the sector into the future.
The Minister, Mr Dempsey said: "There are some major challenges facing Ireland's Electricity Sector, particularly in developing competition, ensuring future security of supply, achieving our renewables targets and delivering good value to consumers."