Energy Minister Eamon Ryan is to commission an independent analysis of the transfer of the electricity transmission system from the ESB to EirGrid.
EirGrid currently operates the system, but ESB owns the assets.
He said he would appoint an independent chairperson who would consult management and unions of both companies, as well as other interested parties including the Department of Finance.
The transfer is part of Government policy as set out in its Energy White Paper and Programme for Government.
The Minister also said he would publish legislation tomorrow which would enable EirGrid to ensure the urgent delivery of the East-West interconnector by 2012.
Minister Ryan said targets set out for renewable energy would require 'a new approach' to the design and operation of the transmission system. He said he looked forward to the early publication of EirGrid's Transmission Development Strategy 2025 to support renewable energy generation.
