The High Court will next week hear an application from the electricity regulator to lift a legal stay secured by an ESB subsidiary, which prevents one of his directives being published or coming into force. On December 22nd last, ESB Independent Energy was granted leave by the court to challenge the directive in judicial review proceedings. It also secured a stay on the directive, which includes a provision requiring the company to clear contracts in advance with the regulator.

Yesterday, the High Court agreed to hear an application next Thursday to lift the stay. It also joined e-Power as a notice party to the proceedings. Another company, Viridian, is to be made aware of the case and be provided with a copy of the pleadings.

ESB Independent Energy's challenge to the directive of the regulator, Mr Tom Reeves, will be heard at a later date.