NIE Network restores power to over 90,000 homes after Storm Ali

by Gráinne Connolly

NIE Networks emergency crews have restored power to over 90,000 homes and businesses, following damaged caused by Storm Ali last Wednesday 19th September. 

The high winds gusted at speeds of up to 90 mph, causing widespread damage with roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. ,

The electricity network suffered severe storm damage with trees brought down across overhead lines, broken poles and windborne debris disrupting electricity supplies across Northern Ireland.

Mid Ulster and the South East were the areas worst hit.Below is a breakdown of areas in Northern Ireland and the amount of customers affected:

(NIE Networks linesman Lenny Bettes restores electricity supplies) 

A spokesperson for the company says it had been closely monitoring the weather and was able to put it's emergency plan into action early on Wednesday morning. 

From around 9am, emergency crews, engineers, call handlers and other staff were mobilised to assess any damage and start the repair process.

Rodney Ballentine, Duty Incident Manager at NIE Networks said: 

"We had been in close contact with the Met Office in the days leading up to Storm Ali, and had mobilised emergency crews, engineers, and call handling staff in preparation for the storm. 

“Our local incident centres were escalated from early on Wednesday with NIE Networks engineers and emergency crews able to get on with the restoration work as soon as the high winds died down and it was safe to begin repairs.

“Losing electricity supplies can be an unpleasant and frustrating experience, no more welcome to NIE Networks than to our customers, which is why restoring supplies following weather damage is always a priority for us.”