Severe weather may hamper Northern Ireland Electricity’s efforts to restore power to tens of thousands of customers after blizzard conditions and storm-force winds left them in the dark last night, the utility provider said.
The severe weather that damaged the electricity network is set to continue, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) said.
NIE engineers and emergency crews have restored power to about 50,000 homes and businesses but 40,000 customers are still without power. Work to restore power to them is continuing into this afternoon and evening.
NIE is advising customers who contact NIE by phone on 08457 643 643 to listen fully to the recorded messages that will provide the most up-to-date information available.
If possible, calls will be answered by staff, otherwise there will be a separate facility to leave a message to report visible damage to the electricity network, such as broken poles or power lines.
Customers can also report faults online.
NIE is also asking customers who have lost their power supply to first find out if their neighbours are also without power and to check household fuses and trip switches before contacting NIE.
