NIE call for contractor caution

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) today issued a strong warning to contractors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to contact the company prior to starting work.

The warning comes as over 1,300 homes and businesses in the Glengormley and Mallusk areas were left without electricity at around 9am yesterday following severe damage to an underground high voltage electricity cable in the area.

The damage was caused by a third party contractor excavating ground at a new housing development in the area.

NIE engineers responded immediately, assessing the damage and carrying out cable repairs. NIE said that the 261 customer affected had their electricity restored by 9.50am with remaining customers' power was restored 20 minutes later.

Over 340 homes in Crumlin and Aghnamullan were also without electricity yesterday morning following severe damage to an underground high voltage electricity cable in the area.

The damage was caused by a third party contractor excavating ground at a new retail development site at Nutts Corner.

Terry Waugh, NIE Customer Relations Manager, urged anyone working in the vicinity of underground cables to take extra care. He said: “We advise any contractors or private developers to contact NIE on 08457 643 643 for marked up drawings of the underground electricity network before starting work.

“With good working practices the number of faults of this sort could be radically reduced. It is NIE that people look to when their electricity goes off and we feel it is appropriate that the worst offenders are held up to account for the problems they cause for our customers and us.”

(MB)