Homes and businesses in parts of Newry are without power this afternoon (Wednesday) after a mains cable was severed by contractors near the city centre.
Businesses on Canal Street have been left without electricity after a digger accidentally tore through cables on Canal Street shortly before lunchtime.
Sinn Fein Councillor Charlie Casey said the incident has caused huge inconvenience in the area.
“It’s a massive disruption to businesses based in Canal Street,” said the city councillor.
“And it’s causing problems for traffic and parking/pick-up for a local taxi firm on the street.”
He added: “I understand workers using a digger have severed a mains cable causing the black out.
“NI Electricity are working flat out to restore power. A local electrician has been able to set up some emergency power but this is a huge inconvenience to business, traffic and pedestrians.”
It remains unclear at this stage how long the mains power will be out.