The ESB wants to introduce a two-year pay freeze for its 8,000 staff, and has informed trade unions that senior management has already decided to take pay cuts.
Chief Executive Padraig McManus will take a 10% drop in his wage, along with a two-year pay freeze.
Other senior managers have accepted a 5% salary reduction and two-year pay freeze.
The announcement follows the controversy surrounding the company's decision to pay the first 3.5% instalment of the national wage deal.
If staff were to accept the pay freeze, they would not receive a further 2.5% that is due in June.
In a statement, the ESB Group of Unions said they 'expect continued compliance with National Wage Agreements in keeping with the Social Partnership process'.
ESB management also wants to change the company's pension system and the unions have said they will comment on this in the future following consultation.
