The UK’s energy networks have activated their weather response plans to prepare for the arrival of Storm Lilian, which is forecast to bring severe weather to parts of the country overnight tonight (Thursday 22 August) and tomorrow.
Network operators in the affected areas are increasing staffing in contact centres and operational teams, and moving equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it’s ready to use if needed.
Energy Networks Association (ENA), the industry body representing the UK’s energy networks has shared practical steps to help customers stay prepared and safe. Meanwhile, the cross-industry co-ordination group, known as ‘NEWSAC’ (North East West South Area Consortium), has met to review operational plans and weather forecasts, as is standard practice when a storm is named.
Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering and Resilience at ENA said:
“With severe weather forecast, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too.
“If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.”
Advice for customers
The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and comfortable during severe weather.
Prepare
- Stay updated: Keep up with the latest news by following your electricity network operator on social media and checking their website for updates. Enter your postcode at PowerCut105.com to find out who operates the grid in your area.
- Emergency contact: 105 is a free service for power cut emergencies. You can call 105 for free in England, Scotland and Wales to report power cuts and receive updates. Remember, during power cuts, landlines and mobile masts might not work.
- Lighting: Keep a torch ready for nighttime.
- Safety: If there’s a power cut, turn off appliances that could be hazardous when left unattended, such as cookers and stoves. This way, they’re safe to use when power returns.
- Awareness: If there’s a power cut, leave one light switched on so you’ll notice when the power is reconnected.
- Food and warmth: Have non-perishable food and drinks available. Boil water ahead of time and keep it in a thermos for hot drinks or warming up with a hot water bottle.
- Insulating: Close internal doors to retain heat. Dress warmly in layers.
- Pets and livestock: Be aware that livestock, fish and pets may be vulnerable if there’s a power cut. You should ensure adequate provision is made.
Care
- Stay clear: If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.
- Neighbour check: Make sure your neighbours are okay, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable. Do they know what to do and how to get help if they need to?
- Priority services: Check to see if you or someone you know can get extra help during bad weather through the Priority Services Register. There is more information at thePSR.co.uk.
Share
- Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut.
Contact Information
ENA Press Office
+44 (0)20 4599 7691
press@energynetworks.org
Follow us on LinkedIn @EnergyNetworks
Notes to editors
NEWSAC
The NEWSAC (North East South West Area Consortium) agreement details the application and co-ordination of mutual aid between network operators in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man during and after network electricity supply emergencies, for example major storms. Mutual aid includes the transfer of field resources and supplies between network operators.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
