About ESB
Our history, our people and our principles
Foundation of the ESB
Electricity Supply Board Act, 1927
The Electricity Supply Board Act was passed in 1927 to set up the Electricity Supply Board, a corporate body to control and develop Ireland's electricity network.
Under the Act the Government nominated the Board's first members - a full-time Chairman and six other members.
At this time, more than 300 different suppliers were concerned with generating and supplying electricity in different parts of the country, including 16 local authorities and five major companies.
The gradual transfer of responsibilities to the national body required both engineering and administrative skills and the development of these skills has been an important factor in the success of the ESB.