Every year, due to such incidents, electricity supply is disrupted for up to a quarter of a million customers of the “Energy Distribution Operator” (ESO). The company reminds that most of these violations can be avoided: before starting excavation work, it is necessary to check the location of underground networks, and when working in the electrical network protection zone – to obtain ESO’s consent and call a specialist to the site.
“Underground electrical cables are not visible, so even one careless move can interrupt electricity supply to hundreds or thousands of customers. More importantly, damaging a cable poses a serious danger to the people performing the work. Just a few preparation steps – checking the location of underground networks, obtaining ESO’s consent, and calling a specialist – help prevent accidents, electricity supply disruptions, and additional costs,” says ESO public relations representative Rasa Juodkienė.
One violation – thousands without electricity
According to ESO data, in 2025, 322 electrical cables were damaged due to excavation work across Lithuania, and electricity supply was temporarily disrupted for more than 206 thousand customers. In the first half of this year alone, 111 cable damages have already been recorded, leaving more than 81 thousand customers without electricity.
“The consequences of damaging an underground electrical cable are felt not only by the person performing the work. Nearby residents, companies, or public institutions may also be left without electricity. Moreover, administrative liability may be applied for damaging electrical networks, and the damage caused must be compensated. Therefore, taking a few minutes to ensure that the planned work area does not fall within the electrical network protection zone can prevent significant losses,” says R. Juodkienė.
Most incidents this year were recorded in the Vilnius (32), Klaipėda (30), and Kaunas (18) regions. In the Vilnius region alone, electricity supply was disrupted for more than 31 thousand customers due to damaged cables, in Klaipėda – more than 13 thousand, and in Kaunas – nearly 20 thousand customers.
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Calling an ESO specialist – free of charge
ESO reminds that before starting any earth excavation work, it is necessary to ensure that there are no underground electrical networks at the chosen location. This can be checked here or here. Also on these maps.
If the planned work will take place in the protection zone of electrical networks operated by ESO, it must be coordinated with ESO and written consent to carry out excavation work must be obtained. A special form must be filled out for this.
After receiving ESO’s consent for excavation work, the underground network demonstration service must be reserved no later than two working days before the start of the work. An ESO specialist arriving at the work site will accurately show the cable route. This service is free of charge. It can be ordered online by filling out a special form.
“Most cable damages occur not because of difficult working conditions or other similar circumstances, but because work is started without checking the location of underground networks. The free ESO specialist service helps to accurately determine the cable route and safely perform the work. It is a simple solution that helps avoid dangerous situations and ensures that neighbors will not experience electricity supply disruptions, losses, or inconveniences due to the work being carried out,” notes R. Juodkienė.
How to prepare for excavation work:
- check the location of underground electrical networks;
- if the work will take place in the protection zone of engineering networks – coordinate with ESO and obtain written consent;
- call an ESO specialist to the work site who will accurately show the cable route.
