Northern Ireland’s electricity grid can now be operated from an Irish government-owned control room in Dublin, it has been confirmed. Several industry sources have told the News Letter that technical changes to allow Northern Ireland’s grid to be controlled from Dublin have been put in place without publicity over recent years.The System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI), which runs the grid in Northern Ireland, confirmed that the grid was operated from both Belfast and Dublin “on an economic basis for the benefit of customers in both jurisdictions”.One industry source said that the move made practical sense and was an outworking of the single electricity market on the island of Ireland.But the history of electricity in Northern Ireland makes the development politically sensitive. In 1974, electricity workers at Ballylumford power station cut electricity supplies as part of the Ulster Workers’ Council strike and it was the threat to turn off electricity … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland electricity grid can now be run from state-owned Dublin control room
Northern ireland electricity networks
Risk to Northern Ireland electricity grid as strike announced
Workers at a company responsible for a critical piece of Northern Ireland’s electricity infrastructure are to go on strike, a trade union has announced. The Prospect union said its members at the Sytems Operators for Northern Ireland (SONI), whose job is to make sure electricity from power plants is distributed across the grid where it’s most needed, are to take part in a one-day strike on Monday.Prospect, who represent the overwhelming majority of SONI staff, said “minimum emergency operations cover” will remain in place to avoid a “blackout situation” that could lead to “loss of life”.But, a union representative has warned, the industrial action “will escalate further” without a breakthrough in negotiations.Pay is at the heart of the industrial dispute – Prospect said its members haven’t had a pay increase since 2015.The company, which is indirectly owned by the Irish Republic, said it “remains open and … [Read more...] about Risk to Northern Ireland electricity grid as strike announced
Industrial action threat to Northern Ireland electricity network
Industrial action threat to Northern Ireland electricity network BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Workers at the company which ensures electricity is supplied to homes and businesses in Northern Ireland have threatened to take industrial action next month which could involve a strike. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/industrial-action-threat-to-northern-ireland-electricity-network-37942464.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/article37942463.ece/5e421/AUTOCROP/h342/2019-03-23_bus_48973298_I1.JPG Email Workers at the company which ensures electricity is supplied to homes and businesses in Northern Ireland have threatened to take industrial action next month which could involve a strike. Weekly Business Digest Newsletter Trade union Prospect, which represents workers at the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI), said it's worried there could be disruption to the public. The union and SONI - owned by Irish company Eirgrid - … [Read more...] about Industrial action threat to Northern Ireland electricity network
Northern Ireland businesses voice fear at no-deal Brexit as DUP says it won’t be ‘railroaded’ on vote
Northern Ireland businesses voice fear at no-deal Brexit as DUP says it won’t be ‘railroaded’ on vote BelfastTelegraph.co.uk An open letter signed by more than 60 of Northern Ireland’s biggest businesses has warned that a no-deal Brexit would stifle the next generation’s opportunities. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-businesses-voice-fear-at-nodeal-brexit-as-dup-says-it-wont-be-railroaded-on-vote-37896899.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/article37896897.ece/a9cb3/AUTOCROP/h342/bpanews_0ab47648-a380-4350-bdc5-59b245feee6c_1 Email An open letter signed by more than 60 of Northern Ireland’s biggest businesses has warned that a no-deal Brexit would stifle the next generation’s opportunities. The letter was penned by the CBI and signed by companies including Coca-Cola, Bombardier Aerospace, Norbrook Laboratories, which produces veterinary drugs, and defence firm Thales. … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland businesses voice fear at no-deal Brexit as DUP says it won’t be ‘railroaded’ on vote
Top Northern Ireland firms warn PM of a no-deal ‘disaster’
Top Northern Ireland firms warn PM of a no-deal 'disaster' BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Some of Northern Ireland's biggest firms have weighed into the Brexit debate by signing a letter calling on the government to avoid a no-deal Brexit on March 29. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/top-northern-ireland-firms-warn-pm-of-a-nodeal-disaster-37896238.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/article37896893.ece/205ca/AUTOCROP/h342/bombardier Email Some of Northern Ireland's biggest firms have weighed into the Brexit debate by signing a letter calling on the government to avoid a no-deal Brexit on March 29. Bombardier, Coca-Cola and First Trust are among the 50 firms warning Westminster of the consequences of leaving the European Union without a deal on the 560,000 private sector employees here. The letter, organised by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), is being sent to all 650 members of the House of Commons today. It comes after Prime Minster … [Read more...] about Top Northern Ireland firms warn PM of a no-deal ‘disaster’