Pallas 38 kV Station, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

As part of ESB Networks' Price Review 6 (PR6) investment programme, the Pallas 38 kV Station in Portlaoise has been upgraded to support the continued growth of Co. Laois and the wider Midlands region. 

As demand for electricity continues to increase, accelerating capacity is essential to support new housing developments, local businesses and future economic growth. This upgrade strengthens the existing network, ensuring it can meet growing demand while continuing to provide a secure electricity supply for customers.

The project involved upgrading the existing transformers at the Pallas 38 kV Station, increasing installed transformer capacity from 10 MVA to 20 MVA.  

With the completion of the project, an additional 10 MVA of installed transformer capacity is now available to support homes, businesses and industry across Portlaoise and the wider region.  

This additional installed transformer capacity is equivalent to supporting approximately 2,500 homes*, including facilitating the electrification of heating and transport through technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles.  

MVA (megavolt amperes) describes the capacity of the electricity network. The higher the MVA rating, the more electricity the network can carry, supporting more homes, businesses and technologies in a geographic area. 

Think of MVA like the width of a road. A wider road can carry more traffic. In the same way, increasing MVA allows more electricity to flow across the network to where it is needed.

Benefits for local communities

This investment supports Ireland's transition to a low-carbon future. By increasing capacity on the existing network, ESB Networks is helping customers connect sooner while preparing the system for greater electrification. 

The upgraded station will support growing electricity demand from homes, businesses and communities as Ireland continues to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce carbon emissions. Projects like the Pallas 38 kV upgrade are helping to ensure communities can grow sustainably while supporting Ireland's housing and climate ambitions. 

Driving capacity through targeted investment

The Pallas 38 kV upgrade forms part of ESB Networks' wider Price Review 6 (PR6) investment programme, which is delivering strategic investments across Ireland to strengthen and optimise the electricity network.  

By increasing installed transformer capacity at the Pallas 38 kV Station, ESB Networks is helping more customers connect sooner while supporting housing delivery, economic development and Ireland's transition to a low-carbon future. 

Through targeted investment under PR6, ESB Networks is ensuring the electricity network can meet the growing needs of communities, businesses and industry, both today and into the future.  

*Housing equivalent is an approximation allowing for accommodating electrification of heating and transport requirements as well as allowing for diversification. Actual electricity demand will vary depending on individual household usage patterns, including the adoption of electric vehicles and electric heating technologies.