Calls to waive standing charges as 1,600 remain without power in Leitrim

Nearly two weeks after Storm Eowyn swept through Leitrim, over 1,600 households remain in the dark, sparking frustration and calls for additional support. Leitrim and Roscommon are among the worst-hit counties, with more than 1,500 properties still offline despite intensive restoration efforts by ESB crews and international repair teams. In Leitrim alone, over 800 homes have yet to see their electricity return, including around 200 in the Carrigallen area—a figure that also encompasses nearby townlands like Cloone and Aghavas.

Speaking to local media, Leitrim County Council Chairman Paddy O’Rourke highlighted the difficulties facing the community. “ESB teams are working around the clock,” he said, “but the damage is immense, and some families may not see power until early next week.” Residents have reported repeated text message updates from ESB, extending estimated restoration times and causing further distress. “It’s cruel to get your hopes up with one date, only for it to be pushed back a few days later,” O’Rourke added.

Beyond power outages, discussions have turned to the standing charges that appear on electricity bills. These fees, typically meant to cover the cost of maintaining network connections, remain unchanged—even when customers have gone without electricity for weeks. O’Rourke argued that such charges should be waived for those affected by the storm. “The idea behind a standing charge is that power is available,” he said. “If you never had the service for this period, why should you be asked to pay for it?”

Amid continuing repairs, those still without power are encouraged to apply for humanitarian funding if needed. While ESB says the majority of homes will be reconnected by the weekend, local officials caution that isolated rural properties may have to wait until early next week for the lights to finally come back