Winter storms regularly knock out power across Ireland, and after Storm Éowyn some homes waited days for it to come back. A little preparation makes a long power cut much easier to cope with.
Who to contact
- ESB Networks runs the electricity network in the Republic of Ireland, whoever your supplier is. Report or check a power cut on 1800 372 999 or at powercheck.esbnetworks.ie.
- Have your Eircode or your 11-digit MPRN (on your electricity bill) ready.
- If you see a fallen wire, treat it as live. Do not touch it or go near it, and call ESB Networks straight away. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
- In Northern Ireland the network operator is NIE Networks, not ESB.
When the power goes out
- Check if it is just you. If your neighbours have power, check your trip switch and fuses. Turn appliances off before you reset anything.
- Use torches, not candles. A head torch keeps your hands free, and a searchlight lights up a whole room.
- Keep the fridge and freezer shut to keep food cold for longer.
- Stay informed. A wind-up radio picks up RTÉ Radio 1 and local stations for storm updates without mains power or Wi-Fi.
- Keep warm. Layer up, close doors to keep heat in one room and use thermal gloves or a rechargeable hand warmer.
What to keep ready
- A wind-up or solar radio
- Torches and spare charging (a solar lantern with power bank does both)
- A charged power bank for your phone
- A first aid kit
- Bottled water and food that needs no cooking
- A flask for hot drinks
If you or someone in your home relies on medical equipment, tell your electricity supplier so you can be registered as a vulnerable customer and get extra support.
More advice: power cut checklist · staying warm · international delivery · all guides.
We now deliver to Ireland
Our Power Cut Kit has a wind-up emergency radio, an LED searchlight, a head torch and a first aid kit for £99. Tracked delivery to Ireland is £16.30 for the kit, or £15.30 for single items. Prices are in pounds sterling and import charges may apply on arrival.
