Electric Ireland to save the NI Executive £31m with 100% renewable contract

The contract, which is an important investment in the renewable recovery, will see Government Department buildings and more than 50 organisations benefitting from the multi-million-pound savings.

The procurement process was led by the Department of Finance’s Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD) team, working in collaboration with the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Strategic Investment Board (SIB). Properties belonging to the Education Authority, Further education colleges and universities will all see substantial savings as part of the announcement.

The central government contract builds on Electric Ireland’s considerable local government footprint with confirmation, in October, that the supplier secured a £13m deal to provide 10 Northern Ireland Local Authorities with renewable energy.

Commenting on the announcement Finance Minister, Conor Murphy said: “This contract shows how public procurement can deliver financial and environmental benefits. Energy management across our diverse portfolio of properties is fundamental to the efficient operation of the government estate, and I welcome the significant savings achieved through this contract with Electric Ireland.

“We have a responsibility to develop sustainability in government buildings, and this move to using 100% renewable electricity is a reflection of our commitments to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise the impact of climate change.”

Commenting Dermot McArdle, Head of Business Markets for Electric Ireland added: “This is a significant renewable energy contract, as the Northern Ireland Executive seeks to achieve its carbon emission targets and make crucial savings at this challenging time.

“Winning this contract is a strong recognition of the ability and expertise of our team who provide exemplary advice, delivering innovative and flexible energy solutions across our public and private sector clients.

“The supply of 100% renewable energy to government departments and organisations across a range of locations, builds on our low carbon credentials with the announcement that we will also be supporting 10 Northern Ireland Local Authorities achieve on their carbon emission targets.

“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with both central and local government partners and to providing valuable insights in helping them achieve a sustainable future.”

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