BT Secures Long-Term Strategic Partnership with NIE Networks to Modernise Northern Ireland’s Electricity Infrastructure and Digital Systems

BT Secures Long-Term Strategic Partnership with NIE Networks to Modernise Northern Ireland’s Electricity Infrastructure and Digital Systems

(IN BRIEF) BT has entered into a major agreement worth up to £200 million with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks to provide enhanced connectivity, cyber security, and IT services that will support the region’s critical electricity infrastructure. The multi-year partnership will see BT manage and modernise NIE Networks’ digital systems, helping to ensure reliable service delivery to nearly one million customers while strengthening protection against cyber threats. The contract supports NIE Networks’ digital transformation strategy and contributes to sustainability goals, including progress toward net zero and the integration of renewable energy. In addition to improving infrastructure, the partnership is expected to drive economic benefits across Northern Ireland through job creation, skills development, and supply chain growth, while reinforcing BT’s long-standing presence and investment in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 25-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — BT has secured a significant contract valued at up to £200 million with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks), aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, strengthening cyber security, and delivering advanced IT services to support essential energy services across Northern Ireland. The agreement positions BT as a key technology partner in ensuring the resilience and efficiency of systems that underpin electricity supply for homes and businesses throughout the region.

As part of the deal, BT will deploy a comprehensive suite of services, including upgraded network infrastructure, improved connectivity solutions, and dedicated cyber security expertise designed to safeguard critical systems from evolving digital threats. The company will also oversee the day-to-day management of NIE Networks’ IT environment, including data hosting and ongoing service support, ensuring high standards of performance and reliability.

The partnership plays a central role in NIE Networks’ broader digital transformation programme, which focuses on modernising the infrastructure responsible for electricity distribution across Northern Ireland. The initial contract term spans five years, with the potential for extension of up to an additional decade, reflecting the long-term strategic importance of the collaboration.

NIE Networks operates an extensive electricity system across the region, encompassing approximately 2,300 kilometres of transmission lines and 58,800 kilometres of distribution network. The organisation is responsible for delivering safe and dependable electricity to around 966,000 residential, agricultural, and commercial customers. Through this agreement, BT will help reinforce the technological backbone supporting these operations.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the collaboration is expected to generate economic benefits across Northern Ireland by supporting employment, fostering digital skill development, and creating opportunities throughout the local supply chain. The initiative aligns with wider regional goals to strengthen the economy while advancing digital capabilities.

Sustainability is also a key focus of the partnership. The deployment of modernised infrastructure and networks will contribute to NIE Networks’ environmental objectives, supporting its progress toward net zero targets and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources and flexible energy systems.

BT Group maintains a substantial presence in Northern Ireland, employing more than 3,400 people and contributing approximately £630 million to the regional economy. The company continues to invest in local infrastructure, including the recent redevelopment of its Belfast Riverside office, which features advanced technology and collaborative workspaces for teams across its business units.

About BT Group

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.

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SOURCE: British Telecommunications