Energising an ailing company to profit

As chief executive of the ESB since 2002, Padraig McManus has overseen huge changes in the commercial state body. He will step down later this year, leaving a rejuvenated company behind, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

IT is easy to knock the ESB. Few of us enjoy opening our electricity bills, never mind having to pay them.

With energy costs in Ireland traditionally near the upper end of the scale and ESB staff well paid and enjoying plenty of perks and privileges, there is plenty of resentment.