New Power Interconnector On Hold Due To Interference

A new underground power line designed to lower electricity prices is not being switched on because it is interfering with phone lines.

The €570m electricity interconnector between Britain and Ireland was officially launched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny last month, but householders in north Dublin starting complaining that the surge of power through underground cables during final tests caused interference on landline telephones.

Delivered by national grid operator EirGrid, the interconnector is a 260km cable that runs between Meath and Wales under the Irish Sea and allows electricity to be imported and exported between Ireland and the UK.

Electricity generators and suppliers such as the ESB or Bord Gais were due to begin importing power from October 1.

But the plan is now on hold despite the project being officially opened by Mr Kenny at a function attended by EU energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger and UK secretary of state for energy and climate change Edward Davey.

The problem emerged during routine testing and is thought to only affect a "small number" of householders and businesses in Rush, Ballyboughal and Oldtown in north Dublin, EirGrid said.

There have also been complaints from householders in Wales who suffered similar problems with their phone lines.

It is understood the problem emerged towards the end of September, and testing is now under way to try and identify the problem. EirGrid will not take control of the project until it is rectified.

"The target delivery date was the end of 2012, even though we were ready in advance of that. The October 1 date was early and ahead of schedule," a spokesperson said.

"EirGrid has not taken over the interconnector until the conclusion of testing. We've been looking at a robust, long-term and enduring solution."

(H)