Electricity Supply Board (ESB) was established in 1927 as a statutory corporation in the Republic of Ireland under the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927. With a holding of 95%, ESB is majority owned by the Irish Government with the remaining 5% held by the trustees of an Employee Share Ownership Plan.  

Our Past

In 1927, Irish engineer, Dr. Thomas A. McLaughlin, proposed a visionary project; harnessing electricity from the River Shannon to bring power to towns all around Ireland. Just 20 years later, our rural electrification programme saw millions blow out their lamps and flick on their lights for the first time. For almost 100 years, we've harnessed our capability and resources to bring electricity to communities in Ireland and globally, transforming lives and enabling social and economic progress.

Our Present

Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation. Its’ impact is evident in increasingly extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, water shortages and disruption to ecosystems. Today we operate one of the most progressive electricity systems in the world. Electricity has a transformative role to play in tackling climate change by reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and we are constantly driven to make a difference, using our unique experience to address climate change.

Our Future

Our purpose is to create a brighter future for the customers and communities we serve. That’s why we are working to deliver a better and more sustainable future for all, based on reliable, affordable, zero carbon electricity. We’re taking urgent and focused action to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and have set out a clear path to achieve decarbonised electricity, a resilient infrastructure, and empowered customers. Learn about our sustainability journey: Sustainability (esb.ie)