As of 13:00 today (Monday 29 November), power has been restored to around 870,000 homes. Around 155,000 homes are currently without power as a direct result of damage caused by Storm Arwen.
Thousands of engineers are working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible. In addition, and where safe to do so, energy networks are also deploying helicopters and drones to identify and assess damage.
Engineers are continuing to uncover snapped electricity poles, downed wires and other complex faults. In some areas of the country the damage is some of the worst seen since 2005. Snowfall in some areas is making access very difficult.
Safety advice
The energy networks have issued important safety advice after a number of power lines were brought down and are urging those with medical needs to contact them.
Network operators are working with local resilience forums and co-ordinating a response with local authorities, British Red Cross and emergency services.
Supporting customers
- Energy networks are working with British Red Cross and local resilience forums to provide extra help and support.
- Welfare centres have been set up in some of the worst hit areas, providing hot food and respite.
- Dedicated teams are contacting vulnerable customers to offer support.
- Contact centres are working around the clock to respond to enquiries by phone and on social media. Due to high call volumes, customers are urged to monitor social media for updates wherever possible.
- Customers who remain without power should consider making alternative arrangements and staying with friends or family where possible.
- Customers can monitor progress by following their network operator on Twitter. Enter your postcode at energynetworks.org/StormArwen to find your local network operator’s details, including their social media channel.
@wpduk earning their keep today! Storm #Arwen #forestofdean pic.twitter.com/EGiSJqFO0K
— MKS (@stralachlan) November 27, 2021
⚠️1⃣ Our Field Team Leader, Carlton Wood, is at Willaston in Cheshire and he’s been kind enough to send an update on the damage the teams are repairing, how busy they’ve been and also a good idea of just how challenging repairs like this can be in the middle of darkness. pic.twitter.com/w58rbZKUiH
— SP Energy Networks (@SPEnergyNetwork) November 29, 2021
Our helicopter flew over our teams working to repair the power network after the devastation left by #StormArwen. pic.twitter.com/nbLybHci6B
— Northern Powergrid (@Northpowergrid) November 28, 2021
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.