NIE Networks has appointed BT as its new service provider in a deal worth up to £200m to deliver advanced connectivity, IT services, and cyber security.

The contract initially runs for five years, with an option to extend for a further decade.

Under the agreement, BT will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including the management of network infrastructure, data hosting, and strengthened connectivity. A dedicated team of professionals will also be deployed to protect against evolving cyber security threats. The partnership is central to NIE Networks' digital transformation strategy, which seeks to modernise the essential infrastructure used to distribute electricity across the region.

NIE Networks currently manages approximately 2,300km of transmission network and 58,800km of distribution network, ensuring the supply of electricity to 966,000 homes, farms, and businesses. This collaboration is expected to increase technological capabilities for renewables integration and the development of flexibility markets.

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Rohan Kapoor, Chief Information Officer of NIE Networks, commented: "This multi-year partnership is a win-win for Northern Ireland's economy supporting local jobs, skills development, and supply-chain opportunities. The collaboration will also help meet Northern Ireland's energy needs, increasing our technological capabilities and enabling further electrification, renewables integration and emerging flexibility markets all of which have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy and the NI Executive's net zero targets."

BT Group maintains a significant presence in Northern Ireland, employing over 3,400 people and contributing an estimated £630 million to the local economy. In 2023, the company completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment of its flagship Belfast Riverside office to support its various units, including EE, BT Business, and Openreach.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, said: "Electricity networks are part of the critical infrastructure that keeps Northern Ireland running, and they rely on technology that is secure, reliable and resilient by design. That's where BT comes in. With evolving cyber threats, protecting essential services is more important than ever and organisations rely on digital connections they can trust. With our experience in supporting critical services and our long-standing presence in Northern Ireland, we are in a unique position to provide the secure, trusted connectivity and specialist expertise that will help strengthen the network for years to come."