| Action | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Check real-time status | Visit the ESB PowerCheck Map |
| Report a fault | Call ESB Networks at 1800 372 999 |
| Check your home | Verify if your trip switch is in the "ON" position |
| Stay updated | Check @ESBNetworks on social media for storm news |
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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:
- Ask your neighbours — Text or visit neighbours to confirm whether the outage affects just your home or the wider area.
- Check your fuse box — Verify that your trip switch is in the "ON" position. A tripped switch or blown fuse means the issue is inside your home, not the ESB network.
- Check the ESB PowerCheck map — Visit the ESB PowerCheck map to see real-time outage reports in your area. You can also monitor @ESBNetworks on X and Facebook for storm updates.
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:
- Real-time outage locations across all 26 counties
- Eircode and postcode-based search
- Timestamps showing when each outage was reported
- Estimated restoration times
- Number of customers affected per outage
- Option to sign up for email or SMS notifications about outages 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.
Live Power Outages in Ireland
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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.
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):
- Lighting — torches, rechargeable lanterns (safer than candles)
- Heating — extra blankets, warm jumpers, sleeping bags
- Electronics — fully charged power banks for phones
- Food — non-perishable items that do not require cooking
- Money — cash, as ATMs and card machines may not work
What You Should Do
- Turn off electrical appliances — switch off ovens, heaters, and other high-draw appliances to prevent short-circuiting or fire 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.
How Long Does a Power Outage Last?
| Type of Outage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Planned maintenance | A few hours (usually daytime) |
| Extreme weather damage | Several hours to multiple days |
| Home electrical fault | Hours to one day (depends on electrician availability) |
| Prepay credit depletion | Restored instantly after top-up |
Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Outage?
Standard grid-tied solar PV systems automatically shut down during a power outage for safety reasons. 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:
- A solar battery storage system
- A hybrid inverter capable of operating in "island mode"
- A changeover switch (manual or automatic)
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
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.
- Priority registration — you can register as a vulnerable customer through your energy supplier when signing up or at any time during your contract.
- Advance notice — registered customers receive additional advance notice before any planned outages in their area.
- CRU requirement — the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) mandates that all energy suppliers offer this registration.
If you or someone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment, contact your energy supplier to register as a priority customer.
How Can I Contact ESB Networks?
To report a power outage or downed power line, call the ESB Networks emergency number:
ESB Networks Emergency: 1800 372 999
When calling, have the following information ready:
- Your Eircode
- Your phone number
- Your MPRN (11-digit Meter Point Reference Number, found on your electricity bill)
- The account holder's name
Power Outages by County
Select your county to report an outage, check live reports, and browse city-level information.