Monday, 18th April 2016
NEWS RELEASE
Crimestoppers Renews Appeal to Public Concerning Metal Theft after Electricity Service Disruption to 120,000 customers and €10 Million Cost
At approximately 7:25pm last night, Sunday 17th April, there was a fire at a transformer at an ESB Networks 220kV substation at Inchicore. This caused the loss of electricity supply to customers across Inchicore, Lucan, Tallaght and Rathfarnham and other parts of West Dublin for 50 minutes. ESB Networks crews worked to restore power to an estimated 120,000 customers affected by this incident. ESB Networks apologises for the impact this serious incident had on customers and local residents in the area.
Following an initial investigation by ESB Networks it has become apparent that this incident was caused by third party interference, where thieves were attempting to steal copper wire from the site. The overall cost to ESB of this incident is estimated at up to €10million.
ESB Networks would again like to remind the public and perpetrators of this criminal activity of the dangers of interfering with our electricity infrastructure. Such interference is a highly dangerous activity with the perpetrators putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.
Since 2012, over 150km of copper valued at €3million has been stolen, with a replacement cost to ESB Networks at €28million. More details on the Crimestoppers Metal Theft Nationwide Campaign, launched last August, are available here
Crimestoppers, an Garda Síochána and ESB Networks are calling on members of the public to be vigilant for suspicious activity and to come forward with information. Such information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers confidential telephone service by calling 1800 25 00 25. Alternatively, information can be provided to your local Garda station or ESB Networks on 1850 372 999.
In the event of loss of electricity supply, customers can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at: www.esbpowercheck.ie, via Twitter at @ESBNetworks or telephone 1850 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location.
An Important Public Safety Message from ESB Networks: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1850 372 999.
ESB Networks reminds customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:
- never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully
- turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost
- leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored
- take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames
- test smoke alarms with fresh batteries
- ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.
Ends