Talks between unions and management at the ESB are continuing with the Labour Relations Commission - in an effort to avert strike action on December 16th.
There's a risk of power outages across the country from that date, as staff threaten to down tools in a row over a 1.6 billion euro hole in the workers' pension fund.
It's understood bosses at some multinational companies have contacted the Taoiseach this weekend, to warn him that any power cuts could cost the country jobs.
The Communications and Energy Minister is urging both sides in the ESB industrial relations dispute to find a resolution quickly.
However, Minister Pat Rabbitte says households and businesses will only suffer limited power cuts
