Grid operators EirGrid and SONI have announced they have joined Coreso, the coordinating body aimed at ensuring security of electricity supply across Western Europe.

Coreso was established following serious power disruption in Europe in 2006 that resulted in 15 million people being left without power. The problem was identified as a lack of coordination between grid operators in Western Europe.

-- Advertisement --

With support from the European Commission, Coreso was set up in 2008 to improve security coordination between grid operators in Europe and to provide services that support the coupling of European electricity markets.

The involvement of the Irish operators arises from new European regulations and to support the functioning of the future Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM).

Fintan Slye, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said: "Joining Coreso will result in increased efficiency in system operation and minimises risks of wide area events, such as brownouts or blackouts. It will also reduce costs through maximised availability of transmission capacity to electricity generators."

(CD/LM)