03457 643 643
NIE Networks fault line
Free, 24/7
NIE Networks
Your DNO
serves Ards and North Down
3+
towns covered
incl. Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood
up to £150+
Ofgem compensation
for cuts over 24h
Live outage map for Ards and North Down
The map shows incidents reported by users in real time, centred on Ards and North Down. Zoom in on your street to check whether a cut is your home only or a wider network fault — when neighbours are also dark, it is a NIE Networks job.
Ards Peninsula running south to the Mull of Galloway, Strangford Lough on the west, and the North Down coast on the Belfast Lough side. Irish Sea storms hit the Ards Peninsula directly; Strangford Lough tidal flooding compromises low-lying substations on the west shore.
Live Power Outages in the UK
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Report a power cut in Ards and North Down
Seeing a cut the map hasn't caught yet? Add it in seconds. Your report is anonymous and appears on the live map above so neighbours in Ards and North Down know what's going on.
Thank you. Your report has been submitted and will help others in Ards and North Down.
Reports are anonymous. We use your address to place the marker on the map and never display your personal details.
Power cuts by town in Ards and North Down
Pick your town for local outage reports, the live map and your network operator's fault line.
Why the power goes out in Ards and North Down
Ards and North Down covers the Ards Peninsula and the affluent coastal towns of North Down, from Bangor to Donaghadee. NIE Networks runs the entire network. Ards Peninsula running south to the Mull of Galloway, Strangford Lough on the west, and the North Down coast on the Belfast Lough side.
Weather and terrain. Irish Sea storms hit the Ards Peninsula directly; Strangford Lough tidal flooding compromises low-lying substations on the west shore.
How the network is run. NIE Networks operates from a Bangor depot. The North Down coast has been progressively re-cabled in heritage areas.
A local quirk worth knowing. Strangford's twin tidal turbines (decommissioned) once fed into the local network — the area is now being explored for new tidal generation in the lough.
What to do when the power goes out at home in Ards and North Down
Check whether neighbours are affected
Look at the street lights and the houses opposite. If they're on, your fault is inside your home — check the consumer unit. If they're out too, it is a NIE Networks network fault: call 03457 643 643.
Dial 03457 643 643
Have your full postcode ready. Ask the operator for an estimated time of restoration (ETR) and a fault reference number — both make any later compensation claim faster.
Unplug sensitive electronics
Unplug TVs, routers, computers and consoles to protect them from a surge when supply returns. Leave one light switched on so you'll know visually when the power is back.
Log start and end times
A cut over 24 hours in normal weather entitles you to £75 from NIE Networks under Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards. Severe weather has higher thresholds and a £2,000 cap. Keep a written log with photos — most payments arrive automatically within 10 working days.
The Selectra expert answers your questions on power cuts in Ards and North Down
Always to your Distribution Network Operator, not your supplier. In Ards and North Down that is NIE Networks. Dial 03457 643 643 (NIE Networks fault line) — free, 24/7.
Irish Sea storms hit the Ards Peninsula directly; Strangford Lough tidal flooding compromises low-lying substations on the west shore. NIE Networks operates from a Bangor depot. The North Down coast has been progressively re-cabled in heritage areas.
Yes. Under Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards of Performance, domestic customers in Ards and North Down receive £75 after 24 hours off in normal weather, plus £40 every additional 12 hours up to £300. Severe-weather events have higher thresholds and a £2,000 cap. Payment is normally automatic from NIE Networks within 10 working days — claim within 30 days if it doesn't arrive.
NIE Networks announces planned cuts by letter (and increasingly text or email) 2 to 8 days in advance. Most run 8am to 6pm and last 2 to 8 hours. Planned cuts do not qualify for Ofgem compensation unless your DNO failed to give adequate notice (a £40 payment applies then).
Power cuts in nearby areas
Other counties close to Ards and North Down — useful if your storm or fault crosses council boundaries.
Belfast
NIE Networks
Lisburn and Castlereagh
NIE Networks
Mid and East Antrim
NIE Networks
Antrim and Newtownabbey
NIE Networks
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
NIE Networks
Newry, Mourne and Down
NIE Networks
Causeway Coast and Glens
NIE Networks
Mid Ulster
NIE Networks
Other counties served by NIE Networks
Same operator, same emergency number, similar restoration patterns and compensation framework.