Storm Éowyn is set to bring high winds to most of the UK over the coming days, including extremely high winds on Friday for some areas. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for most parts of the UK on Friday, with amber weather warnings for areas in the north of England, Wales and Scotland, and the most serious red warning in place for areas including Glasgow and Edinburgh. The UK’s electricity networks are preparing and have issued advice to customers.
Network operators are increasing staffing in contact centres and operational teams, and moving spare equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it’s ready to use if needed.
Despite these preparations, there is a significantly increased risk of power cuts for areas experiencing extremely high winds. Customers in areas covered by a Met Office weather warnings were being advised by Energy Networks Association (ENA) to follow its Prepare-Care-Share advice, detailed below. The group is a UK trade association for gas and electricity transmission and distribution.
Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive for ENA said: “Storm Éowyn is set to be one of the most disruptive storms of this winter season. With widespread yellow and amber warnings, and even red warnings in place, the electricity networks have activated their weather response plans. This means we’re preparing now, so we can support customers promptly.
“Our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too.
“If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.”
How you can prepare
The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and as comfortable as possible during power cuts.
Prepare
- Stay updated: Keep up with the latest news by following your electricity network operator on social media and checking their website for updates. Enter your postcode at PowerCut105.com to find out who operates the grid in your area.
- Emergency contact: 105 is a free service for power cut emergencies. You can call 105 for free in England, Scotland and Wales to report power cuts and receive updates.
- Remember, during power cuts, modern internet-powered landlines and mobile masts might not work.
- Lighting: Keep a torch ready for night time.
- Safety: If there’s a power cut, turn off appliances that could be hazardous when left unattended, such as cookers and stoves. This way, they’re safe to use when power returns. Leave one light switched on so you’ll notice when the power is reconnected.
- Food and warmth: Have non-perishable food and drinks available. Boil water ahead of time and keep it in a thermos for hot drinks or warming up with a hot water bottle.
- Insulating: Close internal doors to retain heat and dress warmly in layers.
- Pets and livestock: Be aware that livestock, fish and pets may be vulnerable if there’s a power cut. You should ensure adequate provision is made.
Care
- Stay clear: If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.
- Neighbour check: Make sure your neighbours are okay, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable. Do they know what to do and how to get help?
- Priority services: Check to see if you or someone you know can get extra help during bad weather through the Priority Services Register. There is more information at PowerCut105.com.
Share
Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut.
