Unions at the ESB have warned progress must be made at talks today if the threat of powercuts next week is to be averted.
It is understood that despite eight hours of discussion on Friday and another day at talks yesterday that no movement was made.
There are just five days to go before the start of the pickets, with workers seeking a 30% pay hike.
The company insists it cannot afford to meet the pay demands at a time when it is gearing up for increased competition.
If the strike goes ahead, blackouts should hit the country by the middle of next week.