Menu
22/09/2006
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:
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2017
Around 3,800 Households Without Power Due To Storm Ophelia
Around 3,800 households are without electricity due to Storm Ophelia. NIE Networks confirmed it is continuing to work to restore the power to homes and businesses in Counties Down, Armagh and Antrim. The worst affected areas include Newry, Annalong, Newcastle, Dromore, Hillsborough, Downpatrick, Ardglass, Lisburn, Dunmurry and Newtownards.
Around 3,800 Households Without Power Due To Storm Ophelia
Around 3,800 households are without electricity due to Storm Ophelia. NIE Networks confirmed it is continuing to work to restore the power to homes and businesses in Counties Down, Armagh and Antrim. The worst affected areas include Newry, Annalong, Newcastle, Dromore, Hillsborough, Downpatrick, Ardglass, Lisburn, Dunmurry and Newtownards.
12 January 2005
NIE work to restore power to customers
Hundreds of NIE staff worked through the night to restore power to customers affected by the severe storm force winds which swept across Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.
NIE work to restore power to customers
Hundreds of NIE staff worked through the night to restore power to customers affected by the severe storm force winds which swept across Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.
21 August 2012
Thousands Affected By Power Cut
A widespread power cut left around 45,000 customers across Northern Ireland without electricity for a short time on Monday afternoon. Homes in east Belfast, Holywood, Comber, Dunmurry and the Ards Peninsula were affected, however most homes had power restored within 15 minutes.
Thousands Affected By Power Cut
A widespread power cut left around 45,000 customers across Northern Ireland without electricity for a short time on Monday afternoon. Homes in east Belfast, Holywood, Comber, Dunmurry and the Ards Peninsula were affected, however most homes had power restored within 15 minutes.
24 February 2017
Power Restored To Thousands Of NIE Customers
Power has been restored to thousands of NIE customers after they were left without electricity caused by Storm Doris. Around 24,000 consumers were affected and emergency teams worked to repair the damage on Thursday, 23 February. The key areas affected were Counties Fermanagh, Armagh and Down.
Power Restored To Thousands Of NIE Customers
Power has been restored to thousands of NIE customers after they were left without electricity caused by Storm Doris. Around 24,000 consumers were affected and emergency teams worked to repair the damage on Thursday, 23 February. The key areas affected were Counties Fermanagh, Armagh and Down.
25 March 2013
No Power For 800 NIE Customers
NIE emergency crews and engineers are working to restore supplies to those 800 customers without electricity today. The customers are located in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions.
No Power For 800 NIE Customers
NIE emergency crews and engineers are working to restore supplies to those 800 customers without electricity today. The customers are located in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
