ESB says customers who have been without power will not be compensated

The chief executive of the ESB, Paddy Hayes, has said that the energy company will not be compensating customers who have been without power for days or have incurred costs for alternative accommodation.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show, Mr Hayes said that there had been a “whole of government approach” under which people could seek compensation through the humanitarian assistance scheme.

“The most important thing that we can do and we’re trying to do it and we’re doing it, is getting customers back connected with electricity.”

Mr Hayes said that he did not know how much the impact of the storm was going to cost, but it would be significant. “It will cost tens of millions.”

It was likely that costs would increase in 2026, he said. “Ultimately, that’s something that gets scrutinised. And in 2026, it’s likely that that will add those charges which are allowed.

“It will find their way back into the overall cost of our distribution system…