Storm force winds cause power cuts - 6pm update

17/01/2009

Severe gales moving up the East coast of Northern Ireland have affected the electricity network. Gusts of up to 70mph have caused damage to power lines and electricity poles.  
 
Northern Ireland Electricity’s emergency crews were mobilised early this afternoon and have already restored supply to over 16,000 customers to. Around 25,000 customers remain without electricity; however, engineers are continuing to assess the situation and are making repairs as soon as the wind speeds abate and it is it safe to climb poles.  
 
Updated information will be provided regularly to the media and the company asks customers to listen to their radios for updates.  
 
A spokesperson from Northern Ireland Electricity said, “We continue to -reinforce our teams on the ground and are working on new faults as quickly as it is safe to do so.  
 
We will be issuing regular updates to the media. The same information will be available from call handlers and our automated call handling system  
 
Northern Ireland Electricity is reminding 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 Northern Ireland Electricity on 08457 643 643 and listen to recorded messages carefully  
- 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, oil lamps or other naked flames  
- test smoke alarms with fresh batteries  
- ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.  
 

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