Allegations made against ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE) by its competitor Epower are unfair, according to ESBIE managing director Mr John Keating. He accused Epower of being surprised and disappointed that it had to face "vigorous and fair competition" and "not the easy ride it may have expected". Suggesting that Epower should "give its attention to its customers" instead of "whinging", Mr Keating insisted that ESBIE's procedures have been "entirely fair and open and have benefited customers in the eligible section of the electricity market". He specifically refuted EPower's allegation that ESBIE was "scare-mongering" in relation to its customers.

ESBIE has operated as a ringfenced and separate company from the ESB since it was set up last year, he said. "We entered the auction for virtual power operated by the Commission for Electricity Regulation on exactly the same basis as all of the other competitors and were awarded capacity," he said