ALERT: Warning from ESB over 'peak event' this evening as weather could hit Ireland's electricity supply

People around Ireland are being encouraged to reduce their usage of electricity this Thursday afternoon as the cold weather and lack of wind have affected the national energy grid.

Customers who have registered for alerts, including Carlow Weather have been advised by ESB that there will be a "peak event" taking place between 5 and 7pm this evening. 

A "peak event" is when there are lots of people using electricity at the same time and there is not enough renewable energy generation to supply electricity demand. This means that during peak events electricity is more expensive, more carbon intensive, and it may be less secure.

In a message sent out customers registered to these alerts the ESB have asked people to "limit the use of home appliances that use a lot of energy (e.g. dishwasher or over) during this time."

According to EirGrid, which managed the national grid, the expected peak demand of 5600 megawatts will be at 5:30pm this Thursday in the Republic of Ireland.