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13 March 2020
ESB statement on COVID-19 response
ESB recognises that our role in the provision of a reliable electricity service underpins all essential services and is therefore critical to the economy and society. This is even more important at this time of national need.
Over the past number of months, ESB has been in continuous monitoring mode for developments regarding COVID-19 and has made preparations in the event that the number of infections escalates.
Yesterday’s announcement by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD of a series of measures in response to the spread of COVID-19 represents a significant escalation in the response to what is now categorised by the World Health Organisation as a pandemic.
Measures are being implemented in the critical functions of our business to ensure the ongoing supply of electricity in our generation stations, our networks businesses and in all supporting functions. We are also ensuring, through our networks and supply businesses, support for our customers, particularly for those most vulnerable.
We have many employees across ESB whose attendance at work is essential to this ongoing service provision. While it is not planned to close any ESB sites at this time, guidelines are being put in place to enable, where required, our employees to work remotely, in anticipation of the evolving COVID-19 measures. Remote working will ensure continuity of our critical systems and support for our business and customers. This will reduce the population in the larger business sites, enabling people to work in line with national advice on social distancing.
ESB Networks:
ESB Networks is the owner and operator of Ireland’s electricity distribution network. We develop, plan, operate and maintain the networks to ensure they safely meet the changing needs of all of Ireland’s electricity customers and facilitate sustainable, secure and affordable electricity. ESB Networks is maintaining normal levels of activity with no impact on our service to homes, businesses and communities. We are asking our customers to continue to report emergencies by calling 1850 372 999 or +353 21 2382410.
Customers can report an outage on www.esbnetworks.ie and check for live updates on power outages at www.powercheck.ie with regular updates also available on Twitter at @ESBNetworks. We are asking customers to use our digital platforms as the first point of contact for routine services and general enquiries. All are available through www.esbnetworks.ie. For emergencies call 1850 372 999, available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Electric Ireland:
Our retail business Electric Ireland supplies electricity, gas and energy services to over 1.2 million households and 95,000 businesses in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. There is no impact on the services we provide and Electric Ireland customers can get up-to-date information at www.electricireland.ie, on Twitter via @ElectricIreland and by calling 1850 372 372.
ESB will issue further updates as the COVID-19 situation develops.
ENDS/