One move can leave thousands without power: ESO explains how to avoid dangerous mistakes

Accidental damage to underground power cables during excavation poses a significant risk, potentially leaving thousands of customers without electricity, according to ESO, the electricity distribution company.

ESO highlights that such incidents disrupt power supply to up to a quarter of a million customers annually. The company emphasizes that most of these disruptions are preventable. Key preventative measures include verifying the location of underground networks before starting any digging and obtaining ESO's consent, along with a specialist's presence, when working within the electricity network's protection zone.

"Underground power cables are not visible, so even one careless move can cut off electricity supply to hundreds or thousands of customers. More importantly, damaging a cable poses a serious risk to the people doing the work. Just a few preparatory steps – checking the location of underground networks, obtaining ESO's consent, and calling a specialist – help prevent accidents, power outages, and additional costs," said Rasa Juodkienė, ESO's public relations representative.

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Pažeidus požeminį elektros kabelį pasekmes pajunta ne tik darbus vykdantis asmuo. Be elektros gali likti aplinkiniai gyventojai, įmonės ar viešosios įstaigos. Be to, už elektros tinklų pažeidimą gali būti taikoma administracinė atsakomybė, o padaryta žala turi būti atlyginta. Todėl skyrus kelias minutes įsitikinti, ar planuojama darbų teritorija nepatenka į elektros tinklų apsaugos zoną, galima išvengti didelių nuostolių.

ESO data reveals that in 2025, 322 power cables were damaged across Lithuania due to excavation work, causing temporary power outages for over 206,000 customers. In the first half of the current year alone, 111 cable damages were recorded, leaving more than 81,000 customers without electricity.

"When an underground power cable is damaged, the consequences are felt not only by the person performing the work. Surrounding residents, businesses, or public institutions can be left without power. Furthermore, administrative responsibility may apply for damaging power networks, and the incurred damage must be compensated. Therefore, spending a few minutes to ensure that the planned work area is not within the power network protection zone can prevent significant losses," Juodkienė added. The majority of incidents this year occurred in the Vilnius (32), Klaipėda (30), and Kauno (18) regions.

ESO reminds that before commencing any excavation, it is crucial to confirm the absence of underground power networks. This can be checked on maps available at www.regia.lt, www.geoportal.lt, or www.planuojustatau.lt. If planned work is within the protection zone of ESO-operated power networks, it must be coordinated with ESO, and written consent for excavation must be obtained by filling out a specific form. After receiving consent, a service to mark underground networks must be booked at least two working days before work begins. An ESO specialist will then visit the site to precisely indicate the cable route. This service is free of charge and can be ordered online by completing a dedicated form. "Most often, cables are damaged not due to complex working conditions or similar circumstances, but because work begins without checking the location of underground networks. The free service from an ESO specialist helps to accurately determine the cable route and perform work safely. It is a simple solution that allows for the avoidance of significant losses," the company stated.

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Dažniausiai kabeliai pažeidžiami ne dėl sudėtingų darbų sąlygų ar kitų panašių aplinkybių, o todėl, kad darbai pradedami nepasitikrinus požeminių tinklų vietos. Nemokama ESO specialisto paslauga padeda tiksliai nustatyti kabelio trasą ir saugiai atlikti darbus. Tai paprastas sprendimas, kuris leidžia išvengti didelių nuostolių.