Northern Ireland Electricity signed agreements in 1990 with ScottishPower, its counterpart in the south of Scotland, for the construction of an HVDC interconnector, known as the Moyle Interconnector, between the companies' transmission systems. After a protracted period in which all the necessary consents were obtained, contracts have been awarded and, following a construction period Of only 27 months, the interconnector started commercial operation at the beginning of 2001.