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Energy networks issue storm safety advice

16 February 2022

Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy networks companies, has issued safety advice ahead of the arrival of Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice.

 

The storms, which have triggered yellow and amber weather warnings, could result in disruption to transport and utilities, according to the Met Office.

The UK‘s energy network companies have been preparing, including reviewing staffing levels, putting helicopters on standby to assess potential damage, contacting customers who may need extra help in a power cut, and moving teams to strategic locations.

Safety advice issued

While the energy networks are very resilient and built to withstand severe weather, during a storm, objects like trees, branches and other debris can be blown around by the wind and cause damage which leads to power cuts.

It is very important that if you see a fallen power line or other damaged infrastructure to:

  • Keep as far away from the hazard as possible.
  • Keep other people as far away from the hazard as possible, but don't put yourself in danger.
  • Contact your network operator immediately. In Great Britain, call 105. In Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643.

If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999.

You can also take some simple steps to prepare for bad weather:

  • Keep a mobile phone fully charged
  • Power Cut? Call 105 free to report it in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643
  • Keep a torch handy in case you are without power during the night
  • Check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours and make sure they're prepared too

Ross Easton, Director at Energy Networks Association, said:

"It’s really important to stay safe when bad weather hits. If you come across fallen power lines or damage to the electricity network, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it. If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999."

Downloads

Storm Arwen - 1 December 2021 - tree on overhead line (Credit: NIE, Location: Moray, Scotland)

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Storm Arwen - 3 December 2021 - cable damage (Credit: ENWL)

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Storm Arwen - 2 December 2021 - trampoline on overhead line (Credit: SSEN)

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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 contacts

You can contact ENA's press office by emailing press@energynetworks.org. For urgent or out-of-hours enquiries from journalists, please call 0204 599 7691.