ESB Networks has said that power has now been restored to 315,000 customers across the country following Storm Darragh.
As of 12:00p.m today (Sunday, December 8), approximately 80,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power.
It is understood that a “significant number” of customers could be without power for days.
ESB Networks said that there has been widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure across the country which saw power cuts for some 395,000 customers.
The damage is nationwide but some of the most affected areas are in the northwest, midlands and southeast.
The impact of the fourth named storm of this season, which brought gusts of around 140km/hr in places, is similar to that of Storm Ophelia back in 2017.
ESB
All ESB Networks crews and partner contractors mobilised again at first light to continue to safely restore power to as many customers as possible in “challenging conditions”.
Due to the severity and significant scale of the damage, ESB Networks warned that some customers could be without power for approximately a week.
The ESB has again said that it is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements, if necessary.
Given the scale of the damage and the dynamic nature of the event, ESB Networks said that it will continue to update restoration times for customers through its Power Check website.
“We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes, and thank customers across the country, especially those who will remain without power, for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power,” an ESB Networks spokesperson said.
Anyone who comes across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, is advised to never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous.
You can report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.
Power
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) said that just under 12,000 customers remain without power following extensive damage to the network in Northern Ireland caused by Storm Darragh.
In the region of 95,000 customers were impacted by power cuts over the course of the storm following sustained gusts between 60 and 70mph.
“Our teams are fully escalated and are working to restore as many customers as possible,” Alex Houston, network operations manager for NIE Networks, said.
“At this stage we have worked through a lot of the faults which impact on larger numbers of customers, and are now moving towards those faults where smaller numbers are affected.
“We estimate that the vast majority will be restored by Monday evening however there is the potential that small pockets will remain off supply into Tuesday,” he added.