- Stay safe, stay clear of fallen electricity lines. Report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999
- 194,000 homes, farms and businesses are currently without power supply, predominantly in southern, western and Midlands counties
- Estimated power restoration times will be available to everyone later this morning. These will be updated regularly available on the PowerCheck App and www.powercheck.ie over the coming days.
- ESB Networks monitoring situation and deploying crews where it is safe to do so, in line with national Covid-19 protocols
Thursday 20 August 2020, Time: 6:50 am
Gale force winds associated with Storm Ellen last night and in the early hours of this morning have caused significant damage to the electricity network affecting more than 194,000 homes, farms and businesses.
The damage is widespread, with southern, western and Midlands counties most impacted. Approximately 40,000 homes, farms and businesses in Cork city and county are without power. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.
ESB Networks crews are being dispatched this morning in the most affected areas where safe to do so, assessing the damage so that they can restore power as quickly and effectively as possible. In addition to safety procedures associated with power restoration, crews are also working under all national Covid-19 protocols with respect to hygiene, social distancing and PPE.
Real time information on power outages and restoration times is available on the PowerCheck App or www.powercheck.ie.
Experience in other major storms over previous years and information from the public and our crews will allow for estimated power restoration times to be published on the Powercheck app. These will be updated on an ongoing basis over the coming days.
We are advising all customers impacted by outages that they should prepare to be without electricity for a number of days. It is very important that any customers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen trees, wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they may be LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.
If your fault is not logged please report it at www.esbnetworks.ie or on 1800 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location. You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.
ESB Networks is reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:
• Stay Safe, Stay Clear: Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1800 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully
• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost
• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored
• Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames
• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries
• Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.
Updates will follow later today.
ENDS/
Media queries to:
ESB Press Office – 01 7026009 and 087 2557186 / corporatecommunications@esb.ie