27 January 2025
As of 9pm on Monday 27th January, approximately 50,000 customers remain without electricity across Northern Ireland with power now restored to 235,000 properties following the extensive damage to the electricity network caused by Storm Éowyn on Friday.
Derek Hynes, Managing Director of NIE Networks, said: “Restoration efforts are well underway and we are using every resource available to us to try to restore power to households and businesses as quickly as we possibly can. Additional engineers are already working on the network, with more arriving over the course of the week. We have also secured additional helicopters to speed up our assessment process and additional generators to support the most vulnerable in the community.
We’re doing our best to refine the updates we have for those still without power, and a second call centre has been opened to assist us in doing that. We also have representatives at Community Assistance Centres across Northern Ireland (details of which can be found at www.nienetworks.co.uk), and teams carrying out welfare checks on the most vulnerable.
We are aware that First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly raised the possibility of a goodwill payment for households that have been severely impacted by Storm Éowyn. We are engaged with the Ministers on this matter, but our primary focus right now is to continue our work to restore power to all affected customers across Northern Ireland.”
We are particularly keen to remind the public to maintain safety around any damaged electricity equipment and never approach a broken pole or overhead power lines, and keep children and animals away. Please report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.
NIE Networks is also reminding of cautionary measures in the event of a power cut:
- Never approach broken overhead power lines or damaged poles and keep children and animals away.
- Report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.
- If you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- 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.
- Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries.
- Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.
We would remind customers that they can report faults online, and also check for status updates using the button below, or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.