Big investment safeguards substation flooding

Engineers from Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distributor for Worcester, have been closely monitoring water levels at substations in flood affected areas between Kidderminster and Upton on Severn.

Local engineers have been working around the clock since last week to safeguard electricity supplies to thousands of customers in the area.

Projects Manager Mick Dunne explained: “We have spent over £500,000 on flood prevention measures at substations sites in Worcestershire over the last two years. New substations near watercourses have been built on stilts as a precaution and buildings housing electrical equipment have had flood defence doors and membranes fitted.

“WPD has also invested in a number of specially adapted Emergency Response Vehicles which are capable of pumping away 1,500 gallons of water per minute. WPD employees have undertaken training to enable them to use the vehicles safely, which have proved to be very useful in these conditions.”

One of the vehicles has been to put to good use at several substation sites in the city of Worcester this week. Sandbags have also been placed around several substations as a precautionary measure.
Worcester Distribution Manager Dave Park-Davies said: “The main issue that we are experiencing is a high volume of faults caused by the inclement weather and access difficulties caused by the traffic.

Everywhere is gridlocked and no one can get across the river at the moment. Many key roads are completely blocked and getting to some of our substations is proving very difficult; it’s very challenging.”