In addition, the group is initiating an internal ESO audit.
“The group is dissatisfied with both the scale of power outages and the speed of their resolution. It is clear that previously planned measures are no longer sufficient; the problem is growing faster than we can update the infrastructure built over decades,” the “Ignitis Group” said in a comment to BNS.
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“Therefore, it is mandatory to fundamentally update the network resilience enhancement plan, ESO must double the scope of cabling, speed, and the amount of operational resources,” it added.
According to the group, an internal ESO audit is being initiated to help assess the company’s actions in dealing with the aftermath of the recent storm and to improve these processes in the future.
In turn, ESO announced on Friday that its board has started the process of evaluating the storm’s impact and response – this will assess preparedness for extreme events, mobilization of brigades and contractors, use of generators, customer information, and measures implemented after the 2024 storm.
According to the company, an updated network resilience and preparedness plan will be prepared.
According to “Ignitis Group,” additional requirements are being set for ESO management to engage partners who could quickly assist in removing obstacles in the event of a storm or similar disaster.
“The storm that swept through Lithuania in 2024 revealed a problem, after which many decisions were made to increase network resilience, and they are still being implemented. ESO is carrying out network cabling works in the most dangerous areas, updating network infrastructure, increasing the number of generators. However, the scale of this storm is unprecedented; we have never faced damage of this magnitude before,” the group said.
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According to it, ESO’s 2024–2033 investment plan was increased by 1 billion euros to 3.5 billion euros. More than twice the amount collected from tariffs is being invested in network modernization and resilience.
According to “Ignitis Group,” the storm that hit Lithuania in August was the largest since 1970.
As BNS wrote, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius and Finance Minister Taurimas Valys said on Monday that the responsibility of both individuals and energy companies ESO and “Ignitis Group” in dealing with the storm’s aftermath and preparing for it will need to be assessed.
Last week, Energy Minister Lukas Savickas suggested postponing the question of ESO CEO Renaldas Radvila’s responsibility for the situation for now.
R. Radvila himself has said that he intends to assess his responsibility after electricity supply is restored to all residents.
BNS wrote that after the August 22 storm, electricity supply was disrupted for more than 268,000 users. On Friday, about 2,500 users still did not have electricity.
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