At NIE Networks, our role has changed over the years as the energy market in Northern Ireland has changed. Here are some recent milestones: 2015 - the company's name was changed to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks) 2010 - ESB acquires NIE (and NIE Powerteam) from Viridian Group Limited 2009 - NIE sells SONI (the Transmission System Operator (TSO) in NI) to Eirgrid – to further enhance the independence of the TSO in NI 2008 - An independent NIE Board is established with a majority of independent non-executive Directors 2007 - An all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM) is established. NIE Energy and Power Procurement businesses (now known as Power NI) transferred to a separate Viridian subsidiary company – to ensure independence of distribution system operation under the 2003 EU Electricity Directive. NIE retains the transmission and distribution businesses 2006 - Viridian Group PLC (which includes NIE) is acquired by Arcapita Bank: an investment bank based in Bahrain with a private equity arm. 1998 - A new holding company, Viridian Group PLC, is created to take the group into new markets in the Republic of Ireland and the renewable energy sector along with new businesses in financial services 1992/1993 - NIE privatised and floated on the London Stock Exchange. Power stations are split from networks and supply and sold to trade buyers Want To Know More? Read more about our Network by clicking the button below: Our Network