Over 150 Mayo dissatisfied customers complain to ESB

THE ESB received 152 complaints from dissatisfied customers in Mayo in the last two years, writes Claire McNamara.

Details of the complaints, which were released under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal the frustration experienced by several customers.

Many of the complaints relate to constant power outages, incorrect meter readings and overcharging customers.

A Ballina customer lodged a complaint in relation to their Christmas Day dinner being destroyed last year due to a power cut that lasted the afternoon and evening.

They claimed it was a major inconvenience and unacceptable as they could not put on the heat and had to discard all the food in their freezer.

Another customer stated she was ‘intimidated and very upset’ when two employees of ESB arrived on her property against her wishes as it was private property.

A Newport-based customer, who had started a new business in the town, claimed the service was appalling after they suffered a severe power cut during a busy weekend, with no explanation or apology given for the cause of the power cut.

Another person was deeply frustrated as their meter was not being read and had to go through the 'torture' of ringing in every two months.

A Westport customer experienced five power outages in one morning and claimed it was causing damage and was a major inconvenience.

A separate complaint demanded that ESB restore power immediately as her husband was out of hospital and required power for his bed.

Also, a significant amount of complaints were made by elderly residents who were living alone and concerned about not having power.

Other customers demanded compensation as their electrical items were destroyed due to the constant power outages.

ESB responded to each complaint and endeavoured to reach a satisfactory outcome for its customers.