Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
159. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment following the publication of the review of Storm Éowyn, if his Department is undertaking any work in progressing recommendation 4.8.6, focused on 'further exploration of the area of vulnerability, the identification of vulnerable persons” in relation to supporting vulnerable people during electricity outages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Storm Éowyn Review does contain a recommendation around vulnerable persons, although definitive recommendations or actions on this issue were not assigned to any individual Departments. The Review states that this is a complex and nuanced matter which requires further exploration and discussion through the GTF on Emergency Planning. My Department will be engaging in that work with our colleagues across Government.
Current guidelines from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) outline extra protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. Customers can self-register with their energy supplier if they are critically dependent on medical equipment or life protecting devices. They can also register if they are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
During an emergency, vulnerable customers registered with ESB Networks (ESB-N) are prioritised for support through protocols aiming to ensure safety and well-being. ESB-N maintains a register and coordinates with electricity suppliers and relevant agencies to provide timely information, early warnings and, where possible, prioritised restoration of supply. While supply restoration cannot be guaranteed, these measures help to mitigate the increased risks for those most vulnerable during emergency situations.
Medically vulnerable customers who use electrically powered medical devices are advised to have alternative arrangements in place such as fully charged battery backup or have a plan to move to another location if required during an emergency. Vulnerable customers are advised to discuss such arrangements with the district nurse or HSE representative regarding how their medical equipment works.
Where ESB-N personnel come across vulnerable people in the course of their work, or where contact cannot be made with a registered vulnerable customer, ESB-N can escalate these cases to other agencies including the HSE, An Garda Síochána, and emergency services, through the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) Humanitarian Subgroup.
The Review also noted the important role that Emergency Hubs played in providing basic humanitarian assistance to vulnerable persons during Storm Éowyn. This concept has now been formalised by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the development of a Community Support Centre Activation Guide which sets out how these centres should be activated and operated throughout emergencies.
