Dear Cllr Barton,
You may have unfortunately seen that the UK is facing high winds and bad weather from Boxing Day and on the 27th December as a result of Storm Bella.
Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can damage overhead power lines resulting in some customers losing their electricity supply. Where this happens we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Over the Christmas holidays we have organised for additional staff in our contact centre and more engineers on the ground to be available to help customers whose electricity supply might be affected by the predicted weather.
Extra efforts are underway to prepare, in recognition of the fact that this is a festive weekend with most people staying at home. We are preparing for 70mph winds, which could bring down branches and trees, damaging overhead power lines.
Both you and your constituents will be able to find regular updates on our website www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and social media @UKPowerNetworks throughout this period.
Anyone experiencing a power cut should:
· Call 105 free of charge to report power cuts and damage to the electricity network, or 0800 3163 105 (from a corded landline phone or mobile phone)
· Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest updates (on a mobile phone)
· Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in their postcode to view our live power cut map
· Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report a power cuts or to receive updates
We advise people to stay clear of power lines and report damaged power lines immediately by calling 105 free from either a landline or a mobile phone. If they see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public they should call 999.
We provide extra help to customers on our Priority Service Register during a power cut. Households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the register. You can find out more information about our Priority Service on our website: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority .
If you would like to share information about preparing for the storm or the priority service register on social media you might like to use the following:
As a result of #StormBella, heavy rain and high winds are due to arrive after Boxing Day. @UKPowerNetworks has extra field engineers and call centre staff on hand over the Christmas period. Call 105 to report a powercut or visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut
Do you, or someone you know, need extra support during a power cut? @UKPowerNetworks provides free services to customers in vulnerable circumstances during a power cut. Visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority for more information. #StormBella
I hope you find this information useful and please do feel free to share it with your constituents.
Can I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas or festive period, and most importantly, please ensure you and your family stay safe.
Yours sincerely,
ED1 Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Manager
UK Power Networks