Get ready for winter storm power cuts

Don’t get left in the dark by storms this winter – by following a few simple steps to make sure you’re prepared for potential power cuts.

With high winds, heavy rain and plummeting temperatures on the horizon, we’re recommending that all customers:

• Keep our free emergency number handy - call 105 to report a power cut , 24 hours a day 
• Prepare your home - Have a torch and an analogue phone ready (cordless or digital phones don’t work in a power cut). A wind-up, solar or battery-powered radio will enable you to listen to local updates. It’s also a good idea to have an external battery charging pack available so you can charge smart phones or tablets. Protect sensitive and valuable electrical equipment with a surge protector.
• Keep an eye out - Check weather forecasts and, in the event of a power cut, see if neighbours need help.
• Get extra support - Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to our Priority Services Register. It’s a free service for anyone who is elderly, disabled, has children under 5 years old or relies on powered medical equipment. As part of the service, customers are kept informed as much as possible of power cuts affecting their home and are given special help, if needed, through the British Red Cross.

Our teams are already working to minimise power cut disruption to customers across our region this winter.

As well as carrying out critical repairs and maintenance ahead of the worsening weather, thousands of miles of overhead lines have been assessed and tree trimming carried out where necessary to protect cables.

Phil Swift, President of National Grid’s electricity distribution business, said: “Winter power cuts can happen and, if they do, our teams are on hand 24/7 to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

“When bad weather is forecast, we ensure additional engineering and operational staff are on standby, as well as extra contact and control centre personnel to manage the electricity network and to help customers with enquiries.”