The Electricity Supply Board is a state owned (95%) electricity company operating in the Republic of Ireland. While historically a monopoly, the ESB now operates as a commercial semi-state concern in a liberalised and competitive market. The company generates electricity through fuels, such as gas, coal, and oil, as well as indigenous resources, including hydro, wind, peat, and biomass. It also finances, builds, and maintains the transmission system, as well as engages in planning, construction, maintenance, and operation of the distribution networks, and supplies electricity, gas, and energy services to business and residential markets.