Householders face more power cuts as ESB fights to upgrade system

HOUSEHOLDERS face further power cuts during peak demand periods as the ESB battles to alleviate pressure on its national grid system.

Lightning storms over the past two weeks left 10,000 homes without power. Extra power usage at peak times over the weekend, caused by tens of thousands of hurling fans turning on their televisions for the two All-Ireland semi-finals, has led to black-outs on lines in parts of Kilkenny and Wexford.

A series of lightning strikes in the North and the South-East have been wreaking havoc with supply. This, coupled with the pressure of 64,000 new connections last year and ever-increasing demand for power, is putting the entire system under strain.