Engineers working around the clock to help restore power

Engineers working around the clock to help restore power

29 January 2025

POCKETS of the district still remain without electricity in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn.

NIE engineers have been working day and night since the weekend to restore power to thousands of homes and businesses.

In the aftermath of the storm, it was estimated that one third of the people were without power.

On Monday NIE said over 10,5000 customers were still without power in the Newry and Downpatrick area. 

NIE representatives were present at local -in centres carrying out welfare checks on the most vulnerable.

Derek Hynes, Managing Director of NIE Networks, said: “Storm Eowyn has caused devastating levels of damage to the electricity network on Northern Ireland.

“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.”

He continued: “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.”

He added: “This remains a difficult time for those most vulnerable members of our communities and we would encourage everyone to continue to help by keeping a close eye on neighbours and supporting them in whatever way you can.”

NIE Networks is urging people to adhere to the following safety guidelines:

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. 

Customers can report faults online, and also check for status updates on the NIE website, or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline.