The Republic of Ireland Power Cut Checker

ESB Networks is the licensed Distribution System Operator (DSO) for the Republic of Ireland, responsible for building, operating, and maintaining the electricity distribution network. Serving over 2.5 million customers, ESB Networks manages approximately 37,500 km of medium and low-voltage lines, including substations, overhead lines, poles, and underground cables. As part of the ESB Group, a state-owned company, ESB Networks plays a pivotal role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has invested over €6 billion in the electricity network over the past decade to ensure reliability and support economic growth.

Ireland’s electricity distribution system, managed by ESB Networks, faces unique challenges due to its geographical and infrastructural characteristics. The country’s diverse terrain includes coastal areas, rural landscapes, and urban centres, each presenting distinct challenges for electricity distribution. Coastal regions are particularly susceptible to saltwater corrosion, which can affect infrastructure and lead to increased maintenance needs. Rural areas may experience longer restoration times due to the remoteness of affected infrastructure.

The climate is another factor, as storms and heavy rainfall frequently lead to power outages, with fallen trees and flood damage often causing delays in repairs. Additionally, the region’s ageing infrastructure requires ongoing upgrades to maintain reliability, and its interconnectedness with the United Kingdom through the East–West Interconnector adds another layer of complexity when cross-border issues arise.

Ireland has experienced several major power outages in recent years, primarily due to severe weather events. For instance, Storm Éowyn in January 2025 caused unprecedented damage to the electricity network, leaving approximately 768,000 customers without power. The storm’s impact was particularly severe in counties Galway and Mayo, with wind gusts reaching up to 183 km/h. Restoration efforts were extensive, with crews from Ireland and Europe working to restore power, and all customers were reconnected within three weeks .

Another significant event was Storm Darragh in December 2024, which affected over 395,000 customers. The storm led to widespread outages, and ESB Networks received assistance from international crews, including teams from France, to expedite the restoration process .

These events highlight the vulnerability of Ireland’s electricity infrastructure to extreme weather conditions and underscore the importance of ongoing investment in grid resilience and preparedness.

ESB Networks offers a Vulnerable Customer Register to assist individuals who are more susceptible to power outages. This register is maintained based on information provided by electricity suppliers. To register, customers should contact their electricity supplier, who will then notify ESB Networks. Once registered, vulnerable customers receive priority attention during faults and are given advance notice of planned outages when possible.

In cases of emergency outages, ESB Networks aims to notify registered customers promptly via SMS or phone call, provided contact details are up to date. It’s important to note that during extreme situations, such as controlled demand reductions due to generation shortfalls, ESB Networks may not have sufficient notice to inform vulnerable customers in advance. Therefore, it’s recommended that those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment have alternative arrangements in place, such as battery backups or plans to relocate if necessary

ESB Networks is actively supporting community-led renewable energy projects to facilitate Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future. Through the Enduring Connection Policy (ECP-2), the company prioritises applications from community-owned renewable energy projects, providing a streamlined connection process to the electricity network. These projects, typically ranging from 0.5 MW to 5 MW, must be 100% community-owned and are eligible for participation in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-2), which offers financial support through competitive auctions. Additionally, successful projects contribute to a mandatory Community Benefit Fund, currently set at €2/MWh, to support local renewable energy and climate action initiatives.

One notable example is the Dingle Project, a pioneering initiative on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. This project aimed to cultivate active energy citizenship through community engagement, empowerment, and evaluation. Key activities included the deployment of electric vehicles, solar photovoltaic systems, and residential battery storage, coupled with educational programmes and the establishment of an Energy Mentor Programme. The project fostered a collaborative environment with local stakeholders, including the Dingle Creativity & Innovation Hub and MaREI (the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate, and Marine), to promote sustainable energy practices and technology adoption.