Post-Storm Restoration Continues – Extensive Network Repairs on Several Islands

As of Sunday afternoon, Elenia’s distribution network crews are working on the final two outages affecting permanent residences. Remaining repair sites involve holiday homes, including locations on islands where weak ice conditions require assistance from the rescue services with specialized equipment. All remaining outage sites share two challenges: difficult access and severe network damage.

The outage map will continue to change over the coming days, as in some areas we must temporarily disconnect power for safety during tree removal operations. Both urgent repairs to safeguard the network and public safety, as well as non-critical tasks, are essential to prevent new outages.

Tree removal near power lines will continue until all identified hazards to electricity distribution have been eliminated. In total, repairs and hazardous tree removals have been carried out at 2,700 sites”, says Heikki Paananen, Elenia’s Head of Preparedness.

The network damage and outages caused by Storm Hannes have been the most severe since the Tapani and Hannu storms in 2011. Since then, Elenia has invested over €1.6 billion to increase the share of underground cabling from 23% to 66% across its 77,000 km electricity network spanning six regions.

“Still, some outages lasted far longer than acceptable. We have significant work ahead to replace aging overhead lines with weatherproof underground cables. These investments also ensure sufficient workforce availability during major disruptions. This way, we maintain and strengthen security of supply and improve our society’s resilience”, Paananen emphasizes.

While restoration work continues, Paananen extends his gratitude:
“Heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in managing this major disruption. Together, we ensure that all post-storm tasks are completed safely, both in the field and in support roles. Our field crews are the heroes of this winter storm, working in high winds, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow", Paananen says.
“My deepest thanks go to our customers for their patience, understanding, and cooperation. We sincerely apologize for the serious consequences caused by Storm Hannes.”

Fault Service Hotline: 0800 100 100 – available 24/7

Important Safety Warning

  • Never touch power lines or attempt to remove trees or branches fallen on them. Downed lines can cause fatal electric shock. Maintain at least a 20-meter safety distance and report the situation to Elenia’s free fault service at 0800 100 100.
  • Installation and commissioning of property backup power systems must only be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor. Smaller portable generators may be used to power individual appliances, but never connect them to the property’s electrical system.

Stay Informed

Additional Warning

After power is restored, if your property’s electrical system behaves abnormally (e.g., lights are unusually bright or dim), the cause may be a broken neutral conductor. This can lead to equipment damage, fire, and severe electric shock risk. In such cases, immediately switch off power at the main switch and contact Elenia’s fault service at 0800 100 100.