Vol. 512 No. 3
59 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, further to previous parliamentary questions, she has satisfied herself that adequate electricity generating capacity exists to meet current and future requirements; the plans, if any, she has to ensure the availability of sufficient power supplies to meet domestic and industrial requirements between now and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26051/99]
As I indicated in a reply to a parliamentary question on 24 November 1999, I met the chairman of the ESB on 2 November 1999 about the electricity capacity situation. He gave me a categoric assurance that there would be no shortfall in the electricity supply during winter 1999 and 2000. I must accept the chairman's assurance. Regarding winter 2001, a number of interests have plans to build new generating plant to come on stream around that time.
Regarding future power generation, work is already under way on two electricity stations which will increase electricity generating capacity over the next few years. The new gas unit at Poolbeg will increase capacity by 160MW, and is due to come on stream by the end of this year. The new IVO plant at Edenderry will add 120MW of capacity, and is now due for completion in December 2000, over six months ahead of schedule.
As a result of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, introduced by me, 28% of the electricity market will be open to competition from February 2000, rising to 33% in 2003. This means that any interested party can apply to the Commission for Electricity Regulation for the necessary licences and authorisations to build new plant and start supplying eligible customers.
In view of the very high level of interest shown by prospective entrants to the electricity market, there is every reason for confidence that sufficient capacity will be built to meet the economy's growing needs up until 2004.
