Lithuania: 93,000 Households Still Without Power After Storm

Lithuania is grappling with widespread power outages affecting 93,000 households days after a severe storm ravaged the country. The energy distribution company ESO reports that the most critical situations are in the Utena and Kauno regions, with significant disruptions also in Panevėžys, Alytus, and Klaipėda.

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We have mobilized all possible forces available in Lithuania, and we are also talking to the Poles to see if they can help. Human resources have been deployed, but the situation is difficult due to the scale of the storm.

ESO representatives stated that they aim to restore electricity to all affected customers within the current week. They have been communicating estimated restoration times via text messages and on their website. To expedite repairs, ESO is collaborating with national grid operator Litgrid, the military, and the Riflemen's Union. Additionally, discussions are underway with Polish counterparts for potential assistance.

The storm caused unprecedented damage to power lines, with some areas experiencing dozens of breaks and requiring entirely new line installations. This extensive damage has overwhelmed repair crews, including long-term employees who have not witnessed such widespread destruction. The company is also distributing portable generators to residents in affected municipalities.

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The number of repair points is very large. Even our long-term employees do not remember anything like this. Power lines are simply toppled – there are not a few, but a dozen breaks, and various other damages. In some places, new line construction work is time-consuming because some lines need to be laid anew; there is nothing to repair.

The storm, which hit on Saturday, led to fallen trees, one fatality, and four injuries. Initially, over 268,000 residents lost power. By Monday afternoon, this number had decreased to over 100,000. The scale of the damage is immense, with ESO stating that "all possible forces available in Lithuania are mobilized," and they are seeking help from Poland due to the severity of the situation.

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We plan to restore supply to all our clients within this week.