Regulator forming electricity contingency plans

A new provision known as "Fast Build" is being put in place by the Energy Regulator to cater for potential shortages in Ireland's electricity supply.

This development comes amidst concerns that energy supply contracts awarded to the private sector may not be completed on time.

Two private operators, Tynagh Energy and Aughinish Alumina, were awarded power station contracts last year.

Energy regulator Tom Reeves has denied that Fast Build is being implemented because of fears that Tynagh will not have their project finished on schedule.

The back-up scheme would see the state locating and acquiring sites around the country on which temporary or "peaking" stations could be built.

These stations would be used to deal with electricity shortfalls that might arise in the future.