The Single Energy Market Committee has confirmed October 1 this year as the revised date for the 'go-live' of the new Integrated Single Electricity Market for Ireland.
The I-SEM is a new wholesale electricity market arrangement for Ireland and Northern Ireland that complies with the Energy Act 2016, and also EU regulations.
The new market is designed to integrate the all-island electricity market with European electricity markets, enabling the free flow of energy across borders.
The additional time allows for any IT system issues to be resolved and for a longer period of market testing and trialling that will ensure the arrangements for the I-SEM go-live are effective.
Vayu COO, Liam Faulkner, has welcomed confirmation of the revised date. "The decision to postpone the go-live date from 23rd May to 1st October 2018 is sensible and facilitates the time needed for SEMC to fully complete the testing and deployment of complex IT systems for the new wholesale electricity market.
Mr Faulkner said, "It is vital that the transition to I-SEM is as seamless as possible. This postponement will also give customers additional time to become more familiar with the details of the new electricity market. Vayu Energy is committed to actively supporting the delivery of the new market in the best interests of all electricity users."
