200 new jobs at renewable energy firm

Two hundred jobs will be created at leading renewable energy firm Airtricity as it vows to ratchet up the electricity price war, it was disclosed today.

The company, which has slashed prices 13% below the country’s main supplier ESB, said it would take on 50 new staff at its Dublin headquarters and 150 jobs would be outsourced.

The new positions will be in sales, customer support, billing and support services.

Airtricity also said it would launch a major customer recruitment campaign on Monday targeting homeowners.

Kevin Greenhorn, managing director of Airtricity Supply, said the expansion showed the green energy sector could help the country out of recession.

“This is great news on the jobs front, this announcement reinforces that there is real potential to generate jobs in the renewable energy sector and that the industry can help the country out of its current downturn,” he said.

“Airtricity is a leader in green energy generation and supply, and in supporting jobs and economic stimulus.

“This jobs and investment announcement is fantastic news for the consumer.”

The electricity price war has seen Bord Gáis reduce prices by 10% for this year and Airtricity bring down their bills by 13% compared with the largest electricity supplier ESB.

Airtricity, which already has 70,000 mostly business customers, said it would also invest up to €125m over the next 12 months.