'Small proportion' of Electric Ireland customers impacted by data breach

Muireann Duffy

Approximately 8,000 of Electric Ireland's residential customers have been impacted by a data breach, the energy provider has confirmed.

In a statement on Wednesday, the company said a "small proportion of its 1.1 million residential accounts may have been comprised".

Electric Ireland explained it is aware that "an employee of a company working on our behalf" may have inappropriately accessed the accounts, "leading to the potential misuse of personal and financial information".

The energy supplier said all customers who have been impacted by the breach have been contacted, adding that only those who received a letter on the matter need to take action.

"Electric Ireland has written to all potentially impacted customers to make them aware of the issue and provide advice and instructions on what actions to take to mitigate against the risk of potential financial fraud.

"Customers who have not received a letter from Electric Ireland do not need to take any action," the company said.

Electric Ireland confirmed the matter is being investigated, adding they are liaising with Gardaí and the Data Protection Commissioner. "As such, the details of this case must remain confidential," the statement said.

"Customers affected by this issue, who may have experienced any fraudulent activity on their financial accounts in relation to data they gave to Electric Ireland, have been asked to contact the company directly.

"Electric Ireland will inform An Garda Síochána who are managing this investigation. Customers are also advised to contact their bank," it added.