Eirgrid sees big fall off in demand

DEMAND for electricity fell by 5.4% last year as the economy hit a rate of decline not seen since World War II, according to Eirgrid chief executive Dermot Byrne.

Speaking at the launch of the 2009 annual report, Mr Byrne said “apart from a small decline in 1980/81, such levels of demand reduction have only ever been experienced during World War II,” which was attributable to supply problems and not a lack of demand.

Up to 300 jobs will be generated as the country’s electricity network provider upgrades the system further, said Eirgrid chairwoman Bernie Gray.