SONI, the electricity System Operator for Northern Ireland, is continuing to make sure that homes, businesses and communities across Northern Ireland have the reliable and sustainable electricity supply we all need in this unprecedented crisis.

As a key part of our ongoing grid development programme, SONI staff remains available to answer your questions on the North South Interconnector during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the challenges of the climate emergency that faces us all, the interconnector will play a critical role in the decarbonisation of the power system because it will facilitate 900 MW of additional renewable electricity onto the grid - enough to power 600,000 homes – which means a more sustainable electricity system for future generations.

Alan Campbell, Head of Grid Infrastructure at SONI, said staff will continue to engage with landowners and the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“While keeping the lights on today, we continue to work to develop the grid for the future, with projects such as the North South Interconnector. Once approved and constructed, the North South Interconnector will help ensure that Northern Ireland has a secure and affordable supply of electricity that also plays its part in the critical decarbonisation of the power system.

"During the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, however, we want to engage with communities in a way that is safe for all of us"

“SONI wants to continue to engage with local communities and stakeholders on the project which will create immediate savings to consumers of £20 million per year. It will also see the electricity grids between Northern Ireland and the Republic connected and strengthened by the addition of a new overhead line, thereby removing blockages on the electricity system, significantly reducing costs to consumers and improving the efficiency of the all-island electricity market.

“During the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, however, we want to engage with communities in a way that is safe for all of us, respecting and maintaining social distancing.

“We are therefore inviting landowners and the local community to engage with us directly through our Agricultural Liaison Officer for the project, Fergal Keenan. The public can continue to give their views and ask questions via fergal.keenan@soni.ltd.uk or request a phone call back from our team. Our team, through Fergal, are also available to talk with you on 07966 930844.”