What does EirGrid do?
EirGrid operates and develops Ireland’s electricity grid. This includes interconnecting to neighbouring grids and running the wholesale electricity market. We ensure that everyone has power when they need it, at the most economic price possible.
The grid safely brings power from generators to the ESB network that supplies every home, farm, community and business in Ireland. It also brings power directly to large energy users.
As we look to the future, we are making the grid ready to carry 70% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. At present, only 36% of your power comes from clean generation.
Your Questions
Are overhead wires a health risk?
It’s our responsibility to make sure that the power Ireland needs is always available and we do this in the safest way possible. The main danger with high-voltage transmission lines and cables is electrocution. That's why they're placed high up on pylons, or buried underground.
Some people worry about electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) found near electricity lines and cables. But, the EMFs from electricity are extremely low frequency. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low-level EMFs is harmful to human health.
What about compensation?
Why can’t we put everything underground?
How can I help?
Ireland is going to need more electricity, and it must be clean. EirGrid needs your support to help us get there. Take our climate change quiz to measure how green you are, and to discover your tailored climate action tips.
Behaving sustainably is just another trend to follow
