ESB board seeks more information on report

THE board of the ESB yesterday failed to commit to the Government’s Energy White Paper because it said it needed more time to assess the implications for its value and commercial viability.

In a statement following the meeting of the board, it said a number of proposals in the white paper require “further exploration”.

When implemented, the white paper will see the transfer of the electricity transmission grid from the ESB to EirGrid. Unions feel that will devalue the company, will not create competition in the electricity market and so will not reduce prices for the consumer.