To make sure the lights stay on throughout the island, a team of staff operate the grid from National Control Centres (NCCs) in Dublin and Belfast. The NCCs, carry out the intricate task of matching electricity production to customer demand. Our main objective is to operate the transmission system in the most economical manner, consistent with safety, security, continuity, quality and environmental standards. 

As customer demand varies on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis, managing to generate enough capacity to meet demand is a very difficult task. Available generation must match up with customer demand to maintain system stability. This simple fact informs the planning we carry out to ensure the grid is safe, secure and reliable, 24/7, 365 days a year.

The NCCs must also plan for unforeseen events, such as demand exceeding expectations. Our staff use the most sophisticated software to make sure we operate the grid in the best and most cost efficient manner.