Network operators are increasing staffing in contact centres and operational teams, and moving spare parts and equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it’s ready to use if needed.
Despite these preparations, there is a slight increased risk of power cuts. Customers in areas covered by a Met Office weather warning should follow Energy Networks Association's (ENA) Prepare-Care-Share advice.
Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering for ENA said:
"Storm Bert is the second named storm of this winter season. With widespread yellow warnings and even an amber warning, the electricity networks have activated their weather response plans. This means we're preparing now, so we can support customers promptly.
"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."
How you can prepare for Storm Bert
The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and as comfortable as possible during power cuts.
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, modern internet-powered landlines and mobile masts might not work.
- Lighting: Keep a torch ready for night time.
- 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. 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 and 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?
- 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 PowerCut105.com.
Share
- Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut. Share our national website, PowerCut105.com.
About us
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.
Press office contact
Our press office can assist with enquiries from journalists and content creators only. You can email press@energynetworks.org. Please note, if your enquiry is urgent or requires a response out of normal working hours you should call us on 0204 599 7691.