Written answers

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Sale of State Assets

9:00 pm

Photo of Seán FlemingSeán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the activities of Bord Gáis that are proposed to be sold as part of the sale of State assets; if he will indicate the preliminary work that has been carried out to date; when the advertising process will commence to appoint external consultants to assist in this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21829/12]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Government has decided that Bord Gáis Éireann's (BGÉ) Energy business will be included as part of the assets disposal programme. Bord Gáis Energy operates as a competitive, dual-fuel, all-island energy business, with some 470,000 gas customers and over 400,000 electricity customers. Bord Gáis Energy sells gas and electricity in all market segments; with related activities including call centre management, billing, sales and marketing. Through its Home Services Team, it offers customers a wide range of products and services to help increase their overall energy efficiency. Bord Gáis Energy also owns and operates a significant portfolio of wind energy assets as well as the 445MW gas-fired power plant in Whitegate.

In Northern Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy has 149 MW of wind development projects. Through its Firmus subsidiary, it offers competitive electricity and gas supplies to Northern Ireland consumers, including the distribution and supply of gas in its franchise area of ten towns in Northern Ireland.

Bord Gáis Energy is a dynamic and successful company which has delivered real benefits for consumers as it has invested and grown in power generation and energy supply. The Government has reiterated its commitment to retaining BGÉ's gas networks and interconnectors in State ownership as strategic infrastructure which is fundamental to Ireland's security of energy supply and the economy.

Following the Government's decision on State asset disposals, a group including my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA has been tasked with progressing all policy, regulatory, legislative and financial issues to be addressed prior to the disposal of Bord Gáis Energy. The work will be ongoing over the coming months. The timing of recruitment of any external advisors for the process has not yet been decided.

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