ESB management and trade unions will meet later today to consider the unions' ballot for industrial action if Government proposals on the future of the ESB are implemented.
The Government's White Paper on Energy includes a proposal to transfer the assets of the national transmission grid to a separate company, EirGrid.
The group of unions opposes any such asset transfer, arguing that it would devalue the ESB's assets and hamper its commerciality.
Three weeks ago, workers at the company voted to take industrial action if these elements of the White Paper are implemented.
They say the Government proposals would breach existing agreements between unions and management.
However, today's meeting is seen as a preliminary discussion and there is no imminent threat of disruption to electricity supplies.
