Electricity North West prepared for Storm Doris

Electricity North West prepared for Storm Doris

In response to the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning for severe gales of 70 to 80mph and a yellow warning for snow to hit the North West on Thursday, Electricity North West, the region’s power network operator, has drafted in extra engineers to help keep the lights on and repair any potential damage caused by Storm Doris.

Mark Williamson, operations director at Electricity North West, said: “We are closely monitoring the weather and we’re taking extra measures to get ready for Storm Doris in case severe gales hit our region.

“We work hard throughout the year maintaining and upgrading the network, but unfortunately overhead power lines can be damaged by flying debris in high winds.

“We invest around £130m every year and actively manage and cut back around 400,000 trees near our lines every year, which does reduce the risk of outages, but we are still prepared and we are here 24 hours day seven days a week if you need any advice or information.”

Electricity North West’s partners, the British Red Cross are also on standby to offer extra support to customers. Customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West on the new national number 105 or 0800 195 4141.

For advice on how to be prepared and stay safe please visit http://www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/dealing-with-power-cuts

To report a power cut please call the new national number 105 or follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk 

Top ten tips for dealing with power cuts

• If there is a power cut first check your trip switches to see if it is an internal power cut.
• If you can’t find a reason for your electricity to be off ring the new national 105 number and signup to receive updates to your mobile.
• Keep a battery-operated torch handy.
• If you need extra support ensure you register as a priority customer at www.enwl.co.uk/priority
• If you use a stair lift check with the supplier to see if it can work without electricity.
• If you run a business and cannot afford to be without power it may be worthwhile investing in a generator.
• Leave at least one light switched on so you will know when your power is restored.
• Leave your fridge and freezer doors closed–chilled products should remain safe for a number of hours.