BT signs deal worth up to £200 million to deliver enhanced connectivity and security for Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

BT has announced a major new deal worth up to £200m with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) to deliver enhanced connectivity, cyber security and IT to support critical services for homes and businesses across the country.

The contract will see BT provide the energy company with a suite of services including improved network infrastructure, strengthened connectivity and a team of dedicated professionals to guard against cyber security threats.

BT will also be responsible for ensuring a high-quality of service and support across the business, day-to-day management of network infrastructure and data hosting.

The deal will support NIE Network’s digital transformation, which aims to modernise the key services and infrastructure that provide electricity across Northern Ireland. Initially the contract will run for five years, with the option to extend by up to another 10 years.

NIE Networks owns the electricity network across Northern Ireland, consisting of approximately 2,300km of transmission network and 58,800km of distribution network. It is also the operator for the distribution network and is responsible for the safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to 966,000 homes, farms and businesses.

The partnership is designed to support local jobs, build digital skills and create supply-chain opportunities across Northern Ireland.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, said: “Electricity networks are part of the critical infrastructure that keeps Northern Ireland running, and they rely on technology that is secure, reliable and resilient by design. That’s where BT comes in.

“With evolving cyber threats, protecting essential services is more important than ever and organisations rely on digital connections they can trust.

“With our experience in supporting critical services and our long-standing presence in Northern Ireland, we are in a unique position to provide the secure, trusted connectivity and specialist expertise that will help strengthen the network for years to come.”

The deal will also enable a move to more sustainable infrastructure and networks, supporting NIE Networks to reach their sustainability and net zero ambitions.

Rohan Kapoor, Chief Information Officer of NIE Networks, commented: “This multi-year partnership is a win-win for Northern Ireland’s economy supporting local jobs, skills development, and supply-chain opportunities.

“The collaboration will also help meet Northern Ireland’s energy needs, increasing our technological capabilities and enabling further electrification, renewables integration and emerging flexibility markets all of which have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy and the NI Executive’s net zero targets.”

BT Group has a strong presence in Northern Ireland, employing more than 3,400 people and providing an economic boost of £630 million. It is also responsible for generating £1 in every £110 produced in the region according to an independent report.

In 2023 it officially unveiled a multi-million-pound refurbishment of its flagship Belfast Riverside office, boasting state-of-the-art technology and collaboration spaces for colleagues from its EE, BT Business and Openreach units.

BT Group is the UK’s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services.

BT Group consists of four customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK; International serves multinational organisations headquartered outside the UK and overseas public sector customers; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers – over 700 communications providers across the UK.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/about