The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey has appointed consultants to carry out a review of the electricity sector.
Following a tender process Deloitte and Touche were awarded the contract as part of a major review of energy policy which would consider the sale of ESB power plants.
However, Mr Dempsey has said the ESB's transmission or distribution network will not leave State ownership at present.
The study is expected to take about six months.