Storms affect NI power supplies

High winds, some reaching hurricane force – over 70 miles an hour, have caused widespread damage to the electricity network in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Electricity deployed around 500 members of staff to deal with weather related faults, and engineering teams, field staff, contractors, call handlers and administrative staff are all currently working to restore supplies to areas where the network has been damaged.

At its worst, electricity supplies to over 100,000 customers were affected due to branches falling on power lines, however electricity has since been restored to 62,000 customers – leaving approximately 38,000 without power.

The worst affected areas are Newry, Craigavon and Mid Ulster, with over 700 ongoing faults across Northern Ireland.

NIE have said that it hopes to restore the majority of customers throughout today and tonight, however, it could take until tomorrow before all customers are back on supply.

NIE's Communications Manager, Robin Greer, said: "It’s going to be a long day with massive restoration efforts from NIE. We are already in position to get customers back on supply as quickly as humanly possible, consistent with safety, and to keep customers regularly updated and informed.

“We restored power to 62,000 customers during the night and the early hours of this morning thanks to the tremendous effort of all staff, from engineers and linesmen to logistics and call handling.

“We have invested heavily in our service and our systems have been thoroughly tested - rural and dispersed network like that in Northern Ireland is vulnerable to severe weather.”

NIE has also reminded customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

• Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away - report damage to NIE



• Customers who have lost supply should first find out if their neighbours are also without power and check household fuses and trip switches before contacting NIE



• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost



• Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames



• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored



• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries; ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters



• Customers should also ensure they have batteries for radios

NIE has asked that only customers who are able to report the location of damage to the electricity network should call on: 08457 643 643.

(EF/KMcA)