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The focus of this dissertation is analysis of the effects of Market Opening on the
Bord Gais Eireann Information Systems, Information Technology Infrastructures
and the Information Technology Department Structure.
The Commission for Energy Regulation is the independent body responsible for
overseeing the liberalisation and regulation of Irelands energy sector. From a BGE
perspective, regulation and competition means fundamental changes in business
processes, business policy, organisational structure, information systems use and
information technology requirements. Legislation demands that these changes be
achieved in a very ambitious time-scale. In devising its strategy to fulfil its
legislative requirements, a Project approach was adopted and the principles of low
cost, low risk and on schedule were a top priority for BGE. A pragmatic approach to
all issues was adopted and risk was managed by phasing in market opening between
the late 1990s to 2005.
The information systems are in a period of significant change. In addition to Market
Opening work, day-to-day operations changes are constantly required. The IT
department as guardians of the systems must take great care to ensure that the
resulting data models are robust and capable of meeting the needs of all systems
users. The IT Department has undergone significant changes since the
commencement of the Market Opening project. Staff numbers have increased
dramatically and existing request approval and prioritisation mechanisms are no
longer sufficient to manage the current level of change.
