The chief executive of the ESB, Mr Padraig McManus, has called for an all-Ireland energy market to be set up.
At the opening of the Coolkeeragh ESB power station in Derry, he said such a market would benefit consumers north and south.
"I believe an integrated and more competitive all-island energy market will provide substantial economic and social benefits, particularly in the areas of investment planning, competitive pricing and reliability of supply.
The logic of moving towards an all-island market and progressing to an all-islands market with Britain should bring many more benefits," he said.