SOME 330,000 homes, farms and businesses are still without electricity as Storm Herminia rampages – and restoration may take up to two weeks.
Historic Storm Eowyn brought gale force winds of 180kph and caused widespread power outages and business closures.
A total of 768,000 ESB customers lost supply on Friday as Storm Eowyn ripped through the country.
ESB teams have been working tirelessly to restore power for households and business.
While this storm hasn’t caused significant damage to the network, it is hampering power restoration efforts in places.
And crew have restored electricity in 438,000 premises as of noon today.
The ESB team have updated PowerCheck with Expected Restoration Times.
It shows that the vast majority of those impacted by Storm Eowyn will have had supply restored by Friday 31.
After this, officials expect that the remaining, approximately 100,000, customers will progressively have their supply restored over the course of the following week.
Crews warned that estimated restoration times will “continue to be updated” as the works progress – but weather conditions may impact on the restoration work.
ESB workers from the south of the country and Dublin are being deployed across worse impacted areas, while “skilled retirees” from ESB Networks are also being redrafted to help.
The company revealed that they were made aware of several instances of “potentially very dangerous incidents” where members of the public have “unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure”.
They warned: “Stay safe, stay clear of any fallen lines and report any damage to 1800 372 999.”
A spokesperson for ESB networks said: “We have been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure.
“Fallen debris after a storm 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.
“It is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
“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. ”
Customers are advised to sign up for our “Keep me Notified” service for power outages. on www.PowerCheck.ie to receive status updates directly.
