ESB Networks future-proofs Ireland’s electricity network to meet surging consumption

ESB Networks has today announced a substantial upgrade to the technology it uses to manage the operation of Ireland’s electricity network. Using the latest Oracle technology, ESB Networks manages the Distribution system to deliver a reliable electricity supply to all domestic and commercial premises.

ESB Networks is responsible for the safe and reliable management of the electricity network that powers Ireland’s critical infrastructure, including public transport systems and emergency services. These require the most reliable and resilient energy supply available. ESB Networks has chosen Oracle SuperCluster and Oracle Utilities Network Management System (NMS) to manage Ireland’s electricity in real time and to facilitate the ongoing development of the electricity network to meet the current and future needs of the country.

The upgrade allows ESB Networks to continue to offer reliable electricity to all businesses and domestic users, who form the bulk of ESB’s customer base, as well as faster response times in the event of an outage. The new system will also provide greater information to customers as it feeds information directly through to our Powercheck website which gives real-time updates on power outages.

Marguerite Sayers, Managing Director, ESB Networks said “Customers want to be kept informed about their power. They expect frequent and relevant updates on how repairs are progressing and when they can expect to have electricity again. Oracle’s system allows us to have a real-time visualisation of the status of the entire electricity network. The interconnectivity of the NMS allows us to quickly roll-out updates to users as conditions change. This is really valuable during storms which can impact on electricity supplies to large numbers of premises.”

ESB Networks will build on the new platform over the coming years to add more mobile and future networks functionality to enhance the operation of the electricity network. The performance and reliability of the Operations Management System is vital to allow this to happen. ESB Networks and Oracle have agreed an advanced support model so that the Operations Management System will be available to always support the management of the electricity network.

John Donnelly, Country Manager at Oracle Ireland said: “Mobile and digital devices are central to our daily lives, so it’s only natural that employees want to use these technologies at work too. By building the capability to extend Oracle NMS data to its Network Technicians’ devices, ESB Networks will be offering a speedier service for its customers, it has also created an attractive environment for future hires who view these technologies as second nature.”