NIE issues weather warning

The adverse weather conditions forecast throughout Northern Ireland this weekend could cause damage to the electricity network, particularly in rural and coastal areas, the NIE said today.

NIE's Incident Centre at Craigavon, which co-ordinates all restoration work, is now open and will be fully staffed as long as the severe weather conditions persist, as will local NIE incident centres across the country, which are in a position to deploy engineers and field staff as required.

Robin Greer, NIE's Communications Manager, said in response to the forecast severe gales on Friday afternoon that "we've instigated our escalation plan".

"If there is any damage to our network from severe weather, we are in position to get customers back on supply as quickly as humanly possible consistent with safety, and to keep customers regularly updated and informed," he said.

"Our call handling system will provide the latest and most up to date information to customers and in addition, we've increased the number of NIE call handlers."

Customers should contact NIE's Customer Helpline on 08457 643 643 and have their telephone number and postcode available in the event of a widespread loss of electricity.

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