NIE Latest News

NIE updates Statement of Charges to connect to the distribution network

Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The NIE Statement of Charges for Connection to the Northern Ireland Electricity Distribution System has been updated and takes effect from 9 May 2013.

From the classroom to the substation

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Local Banbridge woman, Bronagh Mone, recently swapped her job as a maths teacher at New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland to experience life as a Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) electrical engineer.

Electric Advice at Balmoral Show!

Wed, 08 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Want to learn more about generating your own electricity or about the best way to stay safe when working near the electricity network? Then come and visit Northern Ireland Electricity’s new stand AP32 in the Agri Pavilion at Balmoral show, 15^th to 17^th May!

Contractor cuts power in Cookstown

Tue, 07 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Over 2000 homes and businesses in Cookstown were left without electricity at 12.45am on Saturday 4^th May following contractor damage to a high voltage underground cable. Northern Ireland Electricity has once again warned all contractors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to follow strict safety guidelines.

Competition Commission referral statement

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) has responded to the Utility Regulator’s referral of the RP5 price control to Competition Commission

STEM in action at Ballymena

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, recently welcomed a number of teachers from the North Belfast Business Education Partnership to its Ballymena training school.

NIE warns against bogus callers

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Following a recent incident of a bogus caller in the Comber area pretending to be from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the company has issued the following advice to customers:

Climbing the career pole

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

19 students from St Malachy’s College Belfast and Dominican College, Fortwilliam, Belfast visited the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) apprentice training centre in Campsie recently as part of a careers day.

Ongoing vandalism triggers further safety calls

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has issued another strong safety warning following the continuing spate of vandalism to the electricity network in Fermanagh.

Don’t have an electric start to the fishing season!

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

With the fishing season underway and many anglers taking advantage of the odd spell of good weather to cast a few lines, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has launched a FishSafe 2013 campaign to remind anglers across Northern Ireland to look up and look out for overhead electricity equipment before they start fishing.

Live powerline team hits the road in Coleraine

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

A team of Coleraine based ‘live line’ engineers from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, recently took delivery of a specialised vehicle which is used to work on overhead lines when they are still live.

Dalriada team are technology winners!

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Seven pupils from Dalriada School Ballymoney and their industry mentor, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), are celebrating their win at a UK wide competition for their computerised device to help remind the elderly to take their pills.

NIE restores power

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are currently responding to all known faults and expect to restore supplies to all customers tonight.

Steady progress on restoring supply to remote areas - 4pm update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are making steady progress to restore supplies to those 200 customers currently without electricity. Teams are responding to all known faults and helicopters have been deployed to areas where access has proved difficult.

Steady progress on restoring supply to remote areas - 3pm update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are making steady progress to restore supplies to those 500 customers currently without electricity. Teams are responding to all known faults and helicopters have been deployed to areas where access has proved difficult.

Helicopters bring NIE crews to remote locations - 2pm Update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are making steady progress to restore supplies to those 650 customers currently without electricity. These customers are located in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions. Over 140,000 customers have been restored to power following the severe weather which swept across Northern and Eastern counties on Thursday night

Helicopters bring NIE crews to remote locations - 1pm update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are making steady progress to restore supplies to those 700 customers currently without electricity. These customers are located in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions. Over 140,000 customers have been restored to power following the severe weather which swept across Northern and Eastern counties on Thursday night.

Helicopters bring NIE crews to remote locations - noon update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are making steady progress to restore supplies to those 800 customers without electricity this morning. These customers are located in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions. Over 140,000 customers have been restored to power following the severe weather which swept across Northern and Eastern counties on Thursday night.

Farmers critical part of power restoration effort

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has praised the work of local farmers in helping its crews to reach hard to reach parts of the electricity network over the weekend.

Helicopters bring NIE crews to remote locations - 11am Update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers are working to restore supplies to those 800 customers without electricity this morning. These customers are located in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions. Over 140,000 customers have been restored to power following the severe weather which swept across Northern and Eastern counties on Thursday night.

Helicopters bring NIE crews to remote locations - 9am Update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers worked into the night to carry out repairs to the electricity network. This morning around 900 customers are without electricity, mainly in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions. Over 140,000 customers have been affected by the severe weather which swept across Northern and Eastern counties on Thursday night

NIE restoration efforts continue - 8am Update

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews and engineers worked into the night to carry out repairs to the electricity network. This morning around 950 customers are without electricity, mainly in rural and exposed areas where access has been hampered by difficult ground conditions. Over 140,000 customers have been affected by the severe weather which swept across Northern and Eastern counties on Thursday night.

NIE restoration efforts continue - Update 7am

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Snow adventure for Sarah

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

‘Snug as a bug in a rug’ that’s how Sarah Holmes, 93 years old from near Straid in Ballyclare, described herself even after three days without power. On Sunday, she was completing a crossword, snuggled next to her open fire and not a bit bothered that the lane to her house was six feet deep in snow.

NIE restoration efforts continue - 8pm update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Around 2,000 homes are currently without electricity. NIE emergency crews have been working round the clock since Friday morning responding to network faults caused by prolonged blizzards.

NIE restoration efforts continue - 5pm update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE has restored electricity to supplies to over 137,000 customers and emergency crews continue to repair damage to the electricity network. Around 7,000 customers are currently without power.

Access and road conditions continue to hamper restoration process - 3pm update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity has restored electricity supplies to over 135,000 customers and NIE emergency crews are continuing to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards, which hit the northern and eastern counties of Northern Ireland over the last three days. Around 9,000 customers are currently without power.

NIE continues repairs to the electricity network - 1pm update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity emergency crews worked into the night to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards, which have hit the northern and eastern counties of Northern Ireland over the last three days. Over 130,000 customers have been restored to power so far and work is continuing today to restore the remaining 10,000 customers currently without power.

NIE continues repairs to the electricity network - 12noon

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE continues repairs to the electricity network - 11 am update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews worked into the night to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards. Over 130,000 customers have been restored to power so far and work is continuing today to restore the remaining 12,500 customers currently without power.

NIE continues repairs to the electricity network - 10am Update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews worked into the night to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards. Over 130,000 customers have been restored to power so far and work is continuing this morning to restore the remaining 12,500 customers currently without power.

NIE continues repairs to the electricity network - 9 am update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews worked into the night to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards. Over 130,000 customers have been restored to power so far and work is continuing this morning to restore the remaining 13,000 customers currently without power.

NIE continues repairs to the electricity network 8am update

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NIE emergency crews worked into the night to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards, which have hit the northern and eastern counties of Northern Ireland over the last three days.

NIE works into the night to restore power

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity emergency crews worked into the night to repair damage to the electricity network caused by the high winds and blizzards which have hit the northern and eastern counties of Northern Ireland over the last three days.

Restoration efforts continue into the night

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

8.45pm
NIE has restored electricity to 17,000 homes throughout the day. Emergency crews will be working into the night on the several hundred faults still affecting the electricity network and leaving 18,000 customers without power.

More power to homes as restoration continues

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

5.45pm
NIE confirms that electricity has been restored to an additional 15,000 homes throughout the day.

Power restored to 6,000 more homes

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

3.45pm
NIE emergency repair teams and contractors have restored power to an additional 6,000 homes.

Flying patrols to provide vital network information

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

12.45pm
Skies have cleared to allow a NIE helicopter to take off and patrol electricity lines in areas that cannot be reached by road.

Power restoration continues

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

10.45am

NIE has restored electricity supplies to 5,000 customers overnight and it has over 500 engineers and lines staff on the ground this morning to restore the remaining 35,000 homes.

Hundred linesmen reinforce NIE restoration efforts

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

8.45am
Repair teams from Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are working alongside NIE crews to restore electricity to around 35,000 customers.

NIE crews worked into the night to restore power

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

6.45am
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) crews managed to restore power to a further 5,000 homes overnight following the ongoing blizzard conditions.

NIE restores power following storm damage

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

11.00pm
NIE has restored electricity supplies to over 100,000 homes and businesses following severe weather damage to the electricity network across Northern Ireland.

Safety first for NI kidz!

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Pupils across Northern Ireland will be putting safety first this Spring with the launch of Northern Ireland Electricity’s new Kidzsafe programme. Kidzsafe is an interactive programme designed to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of electricity network to Key Stage 2 pupils and above.

Felled tree cuts power in Cookstown

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity has once again warned anyone undertaking tree felling or hedge cutting work the vicinity of the electricity network to follow strict safety guidelines.

Vandals blamed for Carrick substation damage

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has strongly condemned vandals who deliberately set on fire an electricity substation in the Joymount area of Carrickfergus last night.

Damage leaves Glengormley powerless

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Around 1000 homes and businesses in Glengormley were left without electricity at 11.00am on Monday 25^th February following contractor damage to a high voltage underground cable. Northern Ireland Electricity has once again warned all contractors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to follow strict safety guidelines.

Damage poses extreme danger to local community

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has issued a safety warning after three electricity poles were deliberately cut down over the weekend in the Aghyoule area of Fermanagh.

Contractor cuts cable in Crossmaglen

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Around 900 customers in Crossmaglen village and surrounding areas were left without electricity at 9.38 on Monday 11 February following damage to a high voltage underground cable. Northern Ireland Electricity has once again warned all contactors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to follow strict safety guidelines.

NIE warns break in at substation could have been fatal

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity has warned that tampering with electricity equipment could result in serious injury, or even death. The warning follows a break in at an electricity substation at the derelict Feldon House site in Mill Road, Newtownabbey on Tuesday 12^th February.

Employment and Learning Minister visits NIE

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, visited the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Training Centre at Campsie to tour the facility and meet with NIE Apprentices.

Don’t cut back on safety, warns NIE

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

‘Cut with Care’ is the message from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, as it launches a new safety campaign this week to raise awareness of the dangers of felling trees and cutting hedges close to the electricity network.

Ballymena farmer puts safety first!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Local farmer John Wallace from Ballymena will have no trouble following Northern Ireland Electricity’s safety advice to Look Up and Look Out for overhead electricity lines! Mr Wallace is the proud winner of a pair of binoculars after he entered the NIE Farm Safety Competition at the Winter Fair at Balmoral recently.

NIE battled blizzards in weekend power repairs

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Over 20,000 power cuts affected homes and businesses during the recent severe weather according to official figures issued by Northern Ireland Electricity, the network company, today.

Coleraine homeowners to ‘Shift &Save’

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

200 Coleraine homes in the Somerset, Greenhall Highway, Wheatsheaf Road and surrounding areas have just had new smart meters installed as part of the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) â€˜Shift & Saveâ€™ trial, the first trial of its kind in Northern Ireland that combines smart meters and network technology.

NIE wins UK Utility Achievement Award

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), in partnership with electricity supplier Power NI, has taken one of the top awards at the Annual Utility Industry Achievement Awards. The Award for IT Initiative of the Year was presented at a gala dinner in London, attended by representatives from all the finalists, and some of the world’s leading organisations and business people.

See you soon!

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the Bee Safe initiative we will be out and about over the next few months teaching school children how to stay safe around electricity.

Council visits to NIE

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Councillors from Lisburn, Ballymena, Omagh, Strabane and Craigavon visited Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) Control Centre recently to understand how the company deals with power cuts and plans for emergencies.

Rathmore gets to grips with NIE project

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Students from Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast, have been developing a mobile phone application to test the safety of electricity poles.

NIE takes to the skies

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) engineers will be running helicopter patrols over the coming months to identify areas of the power network which need refurbished.

Dalriada School gets robotic

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Year 8-12 pupils from Dalriada School, Ballymoney, picked up first prize for their project idea at the FIRST LEGO League tournament held recently at the Odyssey arena Belfast.

NIE restores power quickly

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A problem at an electricity substation left around 25,000 customers on the North Coast without electricity for a short time on Wednesday evening (12 December).

All the fun of the Winter Fair!

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you wanted to learn more about how to stay safe when working near the electricity network or generating your own electricity, then the NIE Stand at the Winter Fair in the new Balmoral Pavilion is the place to be!

NIE receives top environmental accolade

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has received a top ‘green’ accolade from Business in the Community’s ARENA Network by achieving Quintile One status at this year’s 14th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey Results Launch.

See you soon

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the Bee Safe initiative we will be out and about over the next few months teaching school children how to stay safe around electricity.

•Limavady Bee Safe 27 - 30 November
•Omagh Bee Safe 3 - 7 December
•Londonderry Bee Safe 14-18 January

Visit our Kidzsafe section to learn more about staying safe around electricity

Utilities launch winter readiness campaign

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The chief executives of Northern Ireland’s main utility companies have met with Stormont Ministers to update them on an ongoing joined-up campaign to prepare for any potential disruption caused by extreme weather.

NIE unable to accept RP5 price control

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has advised the Utility Regulator that regrettably it is unable to accept the Utility Regulator’s proposed terms for the RP5 price control.

Electric sparks at Seagate conference

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, recently attended a workshop at the Seagate Real World Science Conference at St. Mary’s College Londonderry/Derry to promote careers in electrical engineering.

NIE Scholarship 'engineers' young talent

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, recently launched its scholarship for Electrical Engineering students in Queen’s University.

NIE responds to Utility Regulator’s Final Determination

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The Utility Regulator has today published its final determination on Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) Transmission and Distribution price controls for RP5.

Managing Risk Together - NIE launches European Safety Week Campaign

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

As European Health and Safety Week begins, 22^nd – 28^th October 2012, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has launched its latest safety campaign for the contracting community. Through the ‘Managing Risk Together’ campaign, NIE hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of working in the vicinity of the electricity network, and what contractors can do to keep themselves and everyone working on site safe.

Winter reminder for electricity customers

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

As winter approaches, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is issuing a reminder to its customers on how to cope if their electricity supplies are interrupted.

Calls for community vigilance following electricity network damage

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

NIE appeals to people in the Cookstown area to be vigilant and report any damage to the electricity network following a vandalism incident on Friday.

Craigavon power deliberately disrupted

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Deliberate damage to an overhead power line left a number of customers without electricity on Sunday afternoon.

NIE updates charges to connect to the distribution network

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The updated NIE Statement of Charges for Connection to the Northern Ireland Electricity Distribution System has been published and will take affect from today (1 October).

NIE responds to capitalisation review

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) publishes its response to the Utility Regulator’s draft determination in respect of NIE’s capitalisation practices.

Staying safe in Ardstraw

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, will be attending a farm safety event in Ardstraw, County Tyrone on Monday 1 October, to highlight the dangers for farmers when working near electricity equipment.

NIE announces major investment in North East network

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity this week announced a £2.5million investment programme to upgrade the high voltage electricity network, which runs from Kells to Coleraine.

NIE welcomes 2012 apprentices

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Ten new apprentices have started their apprenticeship with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) this week.

Powering through Belfast

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A ‘road-train’ 60 metres in length wound its way through the streets of Belfast on Monday night, carrying essential electricity equipment to reinforce a major substation at Castlereagh.

Kite flying safety message from NIE

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A kite caused a power cut in the Dungannon area on Monday (27 August) when it became entangled with 11,000 volt overhead electricity equipment in the rural area of Granville.

Response to Draft Determination on capitalisaion practices

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

NIE has said that it strongly disagrees with the findings and conclusions of the Utility Regulator's report which seek to make retrospective adjustments to NIE's regulatory accounts and will be submitting a comprehensive rebuttal to the proposals.

Electric award to top engineer

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Judy Black, a recent Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate from Queens University, is celebrating after being awarded the NIE Project Prize for the best final year project in electric power engineering.

Damage leaves Doagh in the dark

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Around 1200 homes and businesses in Doagh and surrounding areas were left without electricity at 3.10pm on Wednesday 22^nd August following contractor damage to a high voltage underground cable.

Electricity substation targeted in weekend vandalism

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has strongly condemned the deliberate interference with electricity equipment in the Ballysillan area on Sunday and Monday nights.

Don’t cut back on safety, warns NIE

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, has launched a new safety campaign this week to raise awareness of the dangers of felling trees and cutting hedges close to the electricity network.

Customers restored following power cut in the East

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, said:

"Around 45,000 customers in the Holywood, Comber, East Belfast, Dunmurry and Ards areas lost electricity supplies at 14:56 today due to generation problems in the island of Ireland.

Kilkeel student sparks enthusiasm for engineering

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A student at St. Louis Grammar School Kilkeel has sparked her enthusiasm for a career in engineering with a summer work placement with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

Ballymena student sparks enthusiasm for engineering

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A Ballymena student has sparked his enthusiasm for a career in engineering with a summer work placement with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

NIE warns builders to stay safe

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, has issued a strong warning to those carrying out building work to be aware of overhead lines and plan their work to identify the risks involved when working in the vicinity of electricity equipment.

Yellow is the colour…of electricity pylons?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you; the electricity pylons in Straid and Dromore are yellow this week.

NIE consults on windfarm connections

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) today called for interested parties to respond to a consultation that it has issued on the Methodology for Connecting Groups of Generators to the Northern Ireland Distribution System using Cluster Substations.

NIE urges safe working practices around network

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity has issued a strong safety warning to farmers to operate heavy machinery with caution in the vicinity of the electricity network, and to report any damage immediately.

Damage leaves Bangor powerless

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity has once again urged contractors to take precautions when working near electricity equipment. The warning was issued after 890 homes and businesses in and around the Shandon Drive and Sandhurst Drive areas of Bangor were left without electricity on Wednesday (25 July) following contractor damage to high voltage underground cables at Clifton Road.

Damaged cables leaves homes powerless

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Over 1000 homes and businesses around the west of the Foyle Road in Londonderry / Derry City were left without electricity on Wednesday 25 July following suspected contractor damage to high voltage underground cables. Northern Ireland Electricity has once again warned all contractors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to follow strict safety guidelines.

Vandalism disrupts city power supplies

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has strongly condemned vandals who deliberately lit a fire in the grounds of an electricity substation in the Templepark area of Derry/Londonderry yesterday evening.

NI’s electricity network needs substantial investment

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Proposals from the Utility Regulator to curb Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) returns and investments over the next five years do not serve customers’ best interests, the company said today.

NIE highlights safety for farmers

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity, the network company, warns ‘safety must come first’ for farmers when working near overhead lines and poles.

Vandals blamed for community without power

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has strongly condemned vandals who deliberately set on fire an electricity substation in Derry/Londonderry City on Friday (6 June) at 19:46.

Companies call for more protection from metal thieves

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The Northern Ireland Utilities Working Group is today asking the Environment Committee to support a tightening of legislation on scrap metal dealers.

Getting innovative at St Nicholas’ PS

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Pupils from St Nicholas’ Primary School, Ardglass, have been pitting their renewable energy knowledge against other schools in the Young Innovators exhibition held today at the Odyssey arena.

Don’t have an electric start to the fishing season

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

With the fishing season well underway and the summer holidays now upon us Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has launched a new FishSafe campaign to remind anglers across Northern Ireland to look up and look out for overhead electricity equipment before they start fishing.

Flooding affects electricity supplies in Belfast - Midday update

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity emergency teams have been working round the clock since Wednesday evening to help customers affected by severe flooding across Belfast.

Flooding affects electricity supplies in Belfast - 10am update

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity emergency teams have been working round the clock since Wednesday evening to help customers affected by the severe flooding across Belfast.

Downshire PS gets innovative

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Pupils from Downshire Primary School, Hillsborough, are celebrating after coming runner up in the Primary STEM Challenge award at the Young Innovators exhibition at the Odyssey arena.

NIE urges children to be Kidzsafe

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is urging children to stay safe around electricity equipment this summer.

Methodist College gets innovative

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Students from Methodist College Belfast are celebrating after receiving two awards at the Young Innovators exhibition at the Odyssey arena.

Damage leaves Armagh powerless

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Over 1200 homes and businesses in the Cavanacaw to Ballynahone areas of Armagh were left without electricity on Friday (15 June) at 13.22 following contractor damage to high voltage underground cables.

Kite sparks electricity safety warning in Dungannon

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is reminding everyone to ‘look up and look out’ when playing near electricity lines.

Antrim pupil powers through NIE competition

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Loanends Primary School pupil Wallace Shanks was today presented with the top prize from Northern Ireland Electricity’s Kidzsafe competition, held recently at Balmoral Show. Wallace was one of over 400 who entered the competition during the three day show.

Balnamore Primary School showcases ‘Smart Energy’ project

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Students at Balnamore Primary School in Ballymoney are busy putting the final touches to their ‘Smart Energy’ project in preparation for the Sentinus Young Innovators Exhibitions to be held at the Odyssey arena on the 19 June.

Downshire Primary School showcases ‘Smart Energy’ project

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Students at Downshire Primary School are busy putting the final touches to their ‘Smart Energy’ project in preparation for the Sentinus Young Innovators Exhibition to be held at the Odyssey arena on the 19 June.

Contractors cause power loss in Maghera

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Over 200 households lost electricity supply on Friday 25 May 2012 in Maghera and the surrounding areas due to damage caused to the power network by contractors.

Lisburn home leads the way for renewable heating

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A home in Lisburn is heating up thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme! Simon Bamford has recently installed a new ground source heat pump which will provide his home with efficient heating and hot water.

Powerful scholarships for engineering students

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, has awarded two top electrical engineering students a Scholarship worth £24,000 each.

Vandals blamed for community without power

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has strongly condemned vandals who deliberately set on fire an electricity substation in the Ballysillan area of Belfast yesterday afternoon.

NIE warns against bogus callers

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Following a recent incident in the Dungannon area of a bogus caller pretending to be from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the company has issued this safety advice:

Come and see NIE at Balmoral show

Mon, 07 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Want to learn more about connecting a renewable electricity generator or how to stay safe when working near the electricity network?

Kite sparks electricity safety warning

Tue, 01 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity, the network company, is reminding everyone to ‘look up and look out’ when playing near electricity lines.

NIE warns sailing enthusiasts to stay safe this spring

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

As the start of the sailing season approaches, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has issued a strong safety warning to sailing enthusiasts to take extra caution and to be aware of overhead electricity lines and equipment when transporting yachts and other types of boats.

Electric learning at The Model!

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

It was an electric learning day at The Model Primary School in Londonderry this week when Derek Oâ€™Loughlin, father to one of the pupils, came in to talk to the P4 class about his job as a Project Manager at Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

Engineering for the future at Methodist College

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Five Methodist College students have put their thinking caps on to help design a simple way to check oil levels at electricity substations as part of the Sentinus Team Research and Development Programme.

Water power at Shane’s Castle

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A new chapter in Northern Ireland’s search for a sustainable future has been opened with the completion of a hydroelectric scheme in Antrim.

Renewable heating is pumping in Anahilt!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A home in Anahilt is heating up thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme! Trudy Pyper has recently installed a new air source heat pump which will provide her home with heating and hot water.

More power to the Omagh grid

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

NIE, the electricity network company, has completed a £20M investment project in the Omagh area by building a new overhead electricity line from Omagh which supplies a newly built major substation at Magherakeel, just outside Killeter.

Electric cars get plugged in

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and Environment Minister Alex Attwood have jointly launched the infrastructure that will support the increasing number of owners and drivers of electric vehicles in Northern Ireland.

Glenavy farm is feeling the heat!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A Glenavy dairy farmer has landed in hot water, thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity SMART Programme! William Johnston recently installed a solar water heating system on the roof of his milking parlour as part of the NIE SMART Farm Solar Water Heating grant and he is already seeing the financial and environmental benefits.

Larne B&B is heating up this spring!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Cairnview B&B in Larne is heating up thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme! Ian Lough, owner of the B&B, has recently installed a solar water heating system on the roof of his property to provide hot water for the B&B guests.

Bangor vandalism affects power network

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, condemns vandals who deliberately damaged electricity equipment in Bangor last night and left local people without mains power.

NIE supports campaign to crush metal theft

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Over the last year, NIE, the electricity network company, has seen around one incident per week where metal thieves or vandals have damaged electricity equipment.

NIE helps scouts show with saving energy skills

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Energy Minister, Arlene Foster presented utility badges to scout groups from across Belfast this week who have been leading the way in energy efficiency and water conservation.

NIE revises response policy following staff attacks

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Another attack on a NIE employee in the Drumbeg area of Craigavon has led to the company to ‘seriously consider’ its emergency response approach in the area.

See you soon!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the Bee Safe initiative we will be out and about in the next few weeks teaching school children how to stay safe around electricity.

Continued attacks on NIE staff in Craigavon

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NIE condemns a threat to one of its meter readers in the Craigavon area this morning.

Bridging the electricity network in Omagh

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you have been travelling on the Doogary Road, Omagh recently you may have noticed a new bridge over the road. This scaffold bridge has been assembled to allow Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, to connect a new overhead electricity line into the existing Omagh Main substation.

‘Transforming’ Belfast’s electricity network

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A ‘road train’ 60 metres in length wound its way through the streets of Belfast last night carrying essential electricity equipment to develop one of the city’s major substations. It represented over £3 million of infrastructure investment.

First 150 Coleraine homes signed up to 'Shift & Save'

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

150 Coleraine homes in the Somerset, Greenhall Highway, Wheatsheaf Road and surrounding areas of Coleraine have signed up to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) ‘Shift & Save’ trial to get ‘Smart’ this year with their energy.

Ards Council visits electricity control centre

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ards Councillors visited Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) Control Centre last week to understand how the company deals with power cuts and plans for emergencies.

Contractor cuts power in Crumlin

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Around 1,500 homes and businesses in the Mill Street area of Crumlin were left without electricity at 9:58 on Friday (20 January) following contractor damage to the underground electricity network.

Vandals cause power cut in Ballymoney

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Over 90 homes in the Ballymoney area were left without electricity on Sunday (15 January) following vandalism to the electricity network.

Coleraine homes go on energy diet

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, is inviting people in the Somerset, Greenhall Highway, Wheatsheaf Road and surrounding areas of Coleraine to get ‘Smart’ with energy this year.

NIE aids Scottish power restoration

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Repair teams from NIE, the electricity network company, set sail for Scotland this afternoon to help with the major network rebuild required following storms earlier this week.

Final figures released on power network damage

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

12:30pm

Around 35,000 people suffered power cuts during the recent severe weather according to the official figures issued by Northern Ireland Electricity, the network company, today.

NIE makes final network repairs

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

7.30am

Less than 100 customers are still without electricity this morning following yesterday’s severe gales. These customers are in the Triangle area of Coleraine, Ballymoney and Maghera.

NIE works to complete power restoration

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

6.30am

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has restored power to around 35,000 customers following the severe gales (gusts up to 80mph) which damaged the electricity network across Northern Ireland yesterday.

Power restoration continues into the night

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

8.30pm

NIE repair teams will be working into the night to repair the electricity network damaged in this morning’s gale force winds. Approximately 3,500 customers are without electricity at present. Northern parts of Northern Ireland remain the areas worst affected and some customers in these areas will be without power overnight.

Campsie repairs update

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

5.30pm

Due to repair work in the Campsie area this afternoon around 2,000 customers were taken off supply to allow NIE’s emergency teams to replace an electricity pole in the area.

Power restoration work continues

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

4.30pm

Around 8,500 customers are without electricity following the severe gales that caused widespread damage to the electricity network in Northern Ireland. The North and East coastal areas were worst affected however there are faults throughout Northern Ireland.

Strong winds affect power network

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

12.45pm

Severe gales have caused damage to the electricity network in Northern Ireland. At present approximately 10,000 customers are without electricity.

Emergency repair work in Campsie

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

1.30pm

Around 2000 customers in the Campsie area will be without power today from 2pm due to emergency repair work.

NIE prepares for stormy weather

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

8am

Due to the severe winds gusting across Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has warned of the possibility of damage to the electricity network, especially in exposed locations.

Time flies with NIE

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NIE employees who had clocked up an impressive total of 2000 years of experience in the electricity industry were awarded for their contributions at a special award lunch.

NIE engineers repair ice-hit line

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tuesday night’s sleet, snow and gale force wind brought down a high voltage electricity line in the Moneyneany area of Draperstown.

NIE welcomes Ballymena Council visit

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ballymena Councillors visited Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) Control Centre last week to understand how the company deals with power cuts.

Seeing red: celebrating the success of RSPB's red kites programme

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It has been four short years since the first red kites were reintroduced by RSPB to Northern Ireland. On 6 December 2011, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) was invited by the wildlife charity, together with schools and other funders, to celebrate the success of the re-introduction programme.

NIE supports Scotland’s power restoration

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Overhead lines teams from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) crossed the Irish Sea on Friday to help rebuild the storm hit Scottish electricity network.

NIE offers powerful engineering scholarships for students

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity networks company is sponsoring electrical engineering students through their degree with Queens. NIE demonstrated its commitment to developing engineering talent at the launch of the NIE Electrical Engineering Scholarship Programme at Queen’s University Belfast this week.

Pudsey power for NIE apprentices

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Antrim Forum hosted a kick about with a difference last week when NIE’s Training School took to the pitch to raise money for Children in Need.

Cookstown dairy farmer is feeling the heat

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Cookstown dairy farmer has landed in hot water, thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity SMART Programme. Patrick McGurk recently installed a solar water heating system on the roof of his milking parlour as part of the NIE SMART Farm Solar Water Heating grant and he is already seeing the financial and environmental benefits.

Contractor damages Belfast electricity cable

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

NIE, the electricity network company, confirms that contractor damage caused a power cut in North Belfast on Wednesday night. Damage to an underground electricity cable left 1,488 homes and businesses without electricity. The incident occurred at 18.55 and affected areas around the Shore Road and Antrim Road.

A winter reminder for our electricity customers

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

As winter approaches Northern Ireland Electricity issues a reminder to its customers on how to cope if their electricity supplies are interrupted. Northern Ireland Electricity is the electricity networks company and repairs faults on the network regardless of which supplier issues your bills.

Ballymartin B&B is heating up

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Sharon Farm B&B in Ballymartin has landed in hot water thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme! Newell and Marley Bingham, owners of the B&B, have recently installed a solar water heating system on the roof of his property to provide hot water for the B&B guests.

Contractor damage leaves Bangor powerless

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Over 1,600 homes and businesses in Bangor lost electricity supplies at 14.53 on Friday (14 October) following contractor damage to the underground electricity network in the area.

NIE submits additional addendum to Interconnector inquiry

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

NIE, the electricity network company, has published further information on the proposed Tyrone to Cavan Interconnector prior to the Public Inquiry.

Substation break-ins spark concern

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

NIE, the electricity network company, has issued a stark safety warning following break-ins to three major electricity substations in the Larne area. The break-ins, discovered last week, show evidence that vandals interfered with live electricity equipment putting themselves at risk of electrocution and putting the electricity supplies of thousands of customers at risk.

Tree felling cuts power

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Over 970 households in the Lisburn area lost power on Saturday (1 October) when a felled tree damaged electricity equipment. The fault was reported at 20:26 and Northern Ireland Electricity emergency crews responded immediately to the incident.

Electricity maintenance takes to the skies

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Specialist Northern Ireland Electricity engineers will be running helicopter patrols over the coming months to identify areas of the power network which need maintenance. These aerial patrols of over 5,500kms of the electricity network will allow trained observers to identify and record any signs of damage or wear and tear on the lines and equipment that carry electricity.

Clanabogan Country House is shining brightly

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Clanabogan Country House in Omagh is heating up thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme. Mary and Robert Montgomery, owners of the B&B, have recently installed a solar water heating system on the roof of their property to provide hot water for their guests.

Wood is the way forward for Draperstown company

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Heron Brothers Ltd., a construction and manufacturing business, based in Draperstown, has recently been doing its bit to help the local environment. The company has installed a wood gasification boiler, part funded by the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme.

Greenhill YMCA goes green

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Greenhill YMCA National Outdoor Centre is leading the way for a sustainable future. The Centre, located in Slieve Donard Park, has installed a number of renewable energy technologies with a little help from the Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE’s) SMART Programme.

NIE announces £190,000 power upgrade for Ballymoney

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) will be investing in two separate projects to upgrade the electricity network in Ballymoney over the coming weeks.