Airtricity is set to become Northern Ireland's second largest energy provider following the acquisition, by its parent company, of Phoenix Supply, Northern Ireland’s market leading gas supplier.

SSE, the UK's second largest energy provider, is to acquire Phoenix Supply, which is owned by Phoenix Energy Holdings Limited, for £19.1 million (€23.9 million). Phoenix supplies around 130,000 domestic and business customers in greater Belfast.

Following the acquisition, Airtricity, which is a a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSE, will become a dual fuel provider of gas and electricity to over 230,000 customers in Northern Ireland.

The acquisition is subject to approval by the Irish Competition Authority and SSE expects to complete the purchase during the summer. SSE has also notified the regulatory authorities of its intention to acquire the Phoenix supply businesses.

"This is a significant step forward for both Airtricity and Phoenix Supply as we seek to become the largest supplier of both electricity and natural gas in Northern Ireland," Kevin Greenhorn, SSE's director of business supply, contracting and international and CEO of Airtricity, said.


"Through this deal we will extend our commitment towards serving customers, employing people, and making investments in Northern Ireland to Phoenix Supply customers and staff. We are committed to maintaining the same locally-based staff and upon receipt of approval from the Competition Authority we look forward to welcoming Phoenix Supply staff into the SSE family as we grow our business here. We look forward to completing this acquisition as soon as possible," he added.