BT Group has signed a contract with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) that will see the telco provide the electricity company with connectivity, cybersecurity, and IT to support critical services for homes and businesses across the country.

The contract is worth up to £200 million ($267m) and will initially run for five years, although there’s an option to extend by up to another 10 years.

BT said it will provide the energy company with a “suite of services including improved network infrastructure, strengthened connectivity, and a team of dedicated professionals to guard against cybersecurity threats.”

NIE Networks owns the electricity network across Northern Ireland, which is made up of approximately 2,300km of transmission network and 58,800km of distribution network.

The company is also the operator for the distribution network and is responsible for the safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to 966,000 homes, farms, and businesses.

According to BT, the contract will support local jobs, build digital skills, and create supply-chain opportunities across Northern Ireland.

“Electricity networks are part of the critical infrastructure that keeps Northern Ireland running, and they rely on technology that is secure, reliable, and resilient by design. That’s where BT comes in,” said Chris Sims, chief commercial officer, BT Business. “With evolving cyber threats, protecting essential services is more important than ever, and organizations rely on digital connections they can trust.”

The partnership is aimed at modernizing NIE Networks’ infrastructure and supporting the company’s sustainability and net-zero goals.

Rohan Kapoor, chief information officer, NIE Networks, added: “This multi-year partnership is a win-win for Northern Ireland’s economy, supporting local jobs, skills development, and supply-chain opportunities. 

“The collaboration will also help meet Northern Ireland’s energy needs, increasing our technological capabilities and enabling further electrification, renewables integration and emerging flexibility markets, all of which have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy and the NI Executive’s net zero targets.”

BT currently employs more than 3,400 people across Northern Ireland, claiming to generate an economic boost of £630m ($843m) in the country.