Some 133,000 homes and businesses still without power
Some 133,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power at midday today, according to ESB.
As of 11.30am (Wednesday), ESB Networks has restored supply to 635,000 homes, farms and businesses – with approximately 133,000 customers remain without supply, down from a peak of 768,000 following the unprecedented impact of Storm Éowyn.
ESB Networks is reinforcing its vital warning around public safety on day six of the restoration of supply following Storm Éowyn.
There are still many faults on the electricity network and have been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure, particularly in the worst impacted areas of the country. Following a significant weather event like Storm Éowyn, fallen debris can prevent people from seeing hidden risks such as wires entangled into trees and branches.
If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.
Skilled technicians from Austria, Finland and Great Britain are now on the ground in the worst impacted areas. Further support is arriving from France this afternoon, this is in addition to crews due to arrive from the Netherlands over the coming days. They are supporting local ESB Networks crews and partner contactors in the worst impacted areas who have been bolstered by colleagues from the south and east of the country, as well as skilled retirees. The customer contact centre has also doubled its resources.
If you are in a position to visit www.PowerCheck.ie, ESB Networks has published estimated restore times for most of its faults, which are now our most accurate indications based on fault site assessments of when customers can expect to have their power restored. Estimated Restoration Times will continue to be updated as the restoration continues to progress.
The ESB said it anticipated that the vast majority of customers who lost power during Storm Éowyn will have supply restored by this Friday night, January 31. For the remaining customers, these will progressively have power restored over the course of next week – this could be as many as 100,000 customers.
We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes and thank customers across the country who remain without power for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power.