Power restoration after storm improving slowly, some may wait days

Electricity supply in Latvia is gradually being restored following Saturday's powerful storm, though the process remains slow and some residents may be left without power for several more days.

According to data from grid operator AS "Sadales tīkls", around 202,000 customers were still without electricity at 4 p.m. on Sunday — a decrease of 75,000 compared to 7 a.m., when the situation was at its worst with about 277,000 customers affected.

More than 200 crews deployed

On Sunday, Sadales tīkls dispatched more than 200 crews to inspect power lines and localize damage. The company's priority is to first restore the transmission grid, so some technical crews are working alongside specialists from transmission system operator AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" (AST).

Crews have been working in an intensified regime since Saturday, continuing work through the night without interruption. All possible company resources have been mobilized to address the damage, and an agreement has been reached for additional support from Estonia's grid operator, Elektrilevi.

Several substations restored

AST reported that by 5 p.m. Sunday, voltage had been restored at several substations, including Jaunpils, Salaspils, Dobele, Daugavgrīva, Cēsis, Ieriķi, Ogre, Ķegums, Iecava, Ugāle, Stelpe, Lielvārde, Jēkabpils and Krustpils. In total, 18 transmission substations have resumed operation, allowing Sadales tīkls to continue restoring medium- and low-voltage networks.

Scale of the damage

A very powerful storm struck Latvia on Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday, leaving more than a quarter-million households without electricity. On Sunday morning, 46 of AST's more than 150 substations were affected, along with damage to five 330 kV and 44 110 kV overhead transmission lines.

The main cause of damage to the distribution network was trees and branches falling onto overhead lines, as well as damaged poles and other grid components. Given the extent of the damage, restoring power for some customers may take several days.