Increase in NI power cuts 'caused by contractors'
More people in the North lost electricity supply in the last year because of people using heavy machinery, it was revealed today.
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) said 72,000 of its customers were affected by power cuts after damage to the network caused by contractors, farmers, or DIY enthusiasts.
There were 1,893 incidents in which the network was impaired.
NIE safety and risk manager Roy Coulter said: “This year we hoped the number of damages would substantially decrease because of the downturn in building and construction work. Unfortunately this is not the case.
“There has been a slight decrease in the number of damages overall but the number of customers affected remains very high.”
Damage to the overhead network led to an increase of 3,440 customers losing electricity supply compared to the previous year.
Fifty-eight people were injured in the incidents, an increase from 50 the previous year.
NIE urged all who work near overhead power lines and underground cables to take the necessary precautions.
“In recent months we have discovered contractors working without mark up drawings on site – this is a highly dangerous practice and steps must be taken to ensure proper safety procedures are followed,” Mr Coulter added.
There are also financial penalties. In the last year NIE has recovered almost £1m (€1.17m) in repair costs from contractors and private individuals who have damaged the network.
Mr Coulter said: “It must be remembered that the saddest statistic of all is that eight people have lost their lives since 2001 because they made contact with the overhead network.
“These fatalities are a warning to every DIY enthusiast, farmer or contractor who fails to take note of the proximity of the electrical network to their work area.”
