What to Do Right Now
Check Real-Time Status
Visit the ESB PowerCheck Map for live outage information across Ireland.
Report a Fault
Call ESB Networks at 1800 372 999 (available 24/7).
Check Your Home
Verify if your trip switch is in the “ON” position before calling ESB.
Stay Updated
Follow @ESBNetworks on social media for storm and restoration news.
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Report and Track Power Outages
Experiencing a power cut? Report it below to help others in your area and to help ESB Networks respond faster.
Thank you! Your report has been submitted and will help others in your area.
Live Outage Map
The map below shows power outages reported by users across Ireland in real time. Click on a marker for details.
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ESB Power Outage Map
The ESB PowerCheck map is a free tool provided by ESB Networks that shows real-time outage information across Ireland. It provides:
How Can I Check if There Is a Power Outage in My Area?
If your electricity suddenly goes out, there are three things you should do before calling ESB Networks:
Types of Power Outages
Planned Outages
A planned power outage is a routine cut-off of the electricity supply by ESB Networks to carry out essential maintenance or upgrades to the grid. Affected customers receive advance notice, usually by letter or text message. These outages typically last a few hours and are scheduled during off-peak times.
You will receive advance notice before a planned outage.
Unplanned Outages
Unplanned outages are sudden and unexpected, usually caused by damage to power lines or equipment. Common causes include:
Severe weather – storms, heavy snow, flooding, and high winds
Fallen trees – branches or trees falling onto power lines
Vehicle accidents – collisions with electricity poles
Equipment failure – transformer or cable faults
Unplanned outages can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days in extreme weather events.
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What Should I Do During a Power Outage?
Power Outage Prep Kit
Keep the following items easily accessible in your home, especially during storm season (October to March):
Emergency Prep Checklist
- Lighting – torches, rechargeable lanterns
- Heating – extra blankets, warm jumpers
- Electronics – fully charged power banks
- Food – non-perishable items, no cooking needed
- Money – cash, ATMs may not work
During the Outage
What You Should Do
- Turn off electrical appliances – switch off ovens, heaters, and other high-draw appliances to prevent short-circuiting when power is restored. Leave one light on so you know when power returns.
- Keep your fridge and freezer closed – a closed fridge keeps food cold for approximately 4 hours; a full freezer holds temperature for up to 48 hours.
- Check your prepay meter balance – if you are on a prepay energy plan, verify you have sufficient credit. Power loss from depleted credit is restored instantly after topping up.
- Stay informed – check the PowerCheck map and ESB Networks social media for restoration updates.
What You Should Avoid
- Do not use candles – they are a fire hazard. Use torches or battery-powered lanterns instead.
- Do not attempt to fix mains electricity yourself – always contact a qualified electrician or ESB Networks.
- Do not use generators indoors – generators produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal in enclosed spaces.
- Do not leave your home unsecured – power outages can increase the risk of break-ins, especially at night.
- Do not approach fallen power lines – maintain at least a 10-metre distance and call 1800 372 999 immediately.
~4 h
Fridge (Closed)
Keeps food cold if the door stays shut.
48 h
Full Freezer
Maintains temperature for up to two days.
24 h
Half-Full Freezer
Less thermal mass means faster thawing.
How Long Does a Power Outage Last?
~4 h
Planned Maintenance
Usually scheduled during daytime, off-peak hours.
Hours–Days
Extreme Weather
Storms and flooding can cause prolonged outages.
Hours–1 Day
Home Electrical Fault
Depends on electrician availability.
Instant
Prepay Credit Depletion
Restored immediately after top-up.
Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Outage?
Standard grid-tied systems shut down automatically.
This prevents “back-feeding” electricity onto the grid while ESB technicians are working on repairs.
To maintain power from your solar panels during a blackout, your system needs:
All installation work must be completed by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). For more information, see our guide to solar panels in Ireland.
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Vulnerable Customer Policies
If you or someone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment, you can register as a priority customer.
Contact your energy supplier to register.
ESB Networks maintains protective protocols for vulnerable customers who depend on electricity for medical equipment such as life-support systems, oxygen concentrators, or home dialysis machines.
How Can I Contact ESB Networks?
To report a power outage or downed power line, call the ESB Networks emergency number:
1800 372 999
ESB Networks Emergency Line
Available 24/7 for power outages and downed power lines.
When calling, have the following information ready:
Power Outages by County
Select your county to report an outage, check live reports, and browse city-level information.