BT wins GBP £200 million NIE Networks connectivity deal

BT has signed a deal worth up to £200 million with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks to provide connectivity, cyber security and IT support for critical electricity services across Northern Ireland.

The multi-year contract begins with a five-year term and includes an option to extend for up to 10 more years. BT will supply network infrastructure, connectivity services and cyber security support, and will also take on day-to-day management of network infrastructure and data hosting.

NIE Networks owns Northern Ireland's electricity network and operates the distribution system. It is responsible for the safe and reliable supply of electricity to 966,000 homes, farms and businesses through about 2,300km of transmission network and 58,800km of distribution network.

The agreement brings a telecoms and technology supplier closer to one of the region's core utility operators at a time when energy networks are under pressure to modernise ageing systems, improve resilience and prepare for wider electrification. It also places cyber security at the centre of the arrangement as operators of essential services face growing digital threats.

Contract scope

BT will deliver upgraded network infrastructure and stronger connectivity for the utility. It will also provide a dedicated team focused on cyber threats, alongside service support across the business.

The work is part of NIE Networks' broader digital transformation programme to modernise the systems and infrastructure used to deliver electricity across Northern Ireland. The partnership is also intended to support local jobs, digital skills development and supply-chain opportunities in the region.

For BT, the contract strengthens its presence in Northern Ireland, where it employs more than 3,400 people. The group has cited an independent report saying its activities contribute £630 million to the regional economy.

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."

Regional impact

The arrangement is designed to create economic spillover beyond the direct technology work, including support for employment, skills and suppliers across Northern Ireland, in line with wider efforts to anchor large infrastructure spending in local economies.

The deal also has a sustainability element. BT said it will help NIE Networks move towards more sustainable infrastructure and networks as the utility works towards its net zero ambitions.

NIE Networks linked the technology programme to broader changes in the electricity system, including higher levels of renewable generation and the gradual electrification of parts of the economy. Grid operators across the UK and Ireland have been increasing investment in digital systems as they seek to manage more complex flows of power and demand.

Rohan Kapoor, chief information officer at NIE Networks, said: "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 by increasing our technological capabilities and enabling further electrification, renewables integration and emerging flexibility markets, all of which will have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy and the NI Executive's net zero targets."