The Energy Networks Association (ENA), the industry body representing the UK's energy networks, issued safety advice on 16 February 2022 ahead of the arrival of Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice1. The ENA said the storms, which have triggered yellow and amber weather warnings, could result in disruption to transport and utilities, according to the Met Office1.
The ENA said the UK's energy network companies have been preparing, including reviewing staffing levels, putting helicopters on standby to assess potential damage, contacting customers who may need extra help in a power cut, and moving teams to strategic locations1. It said that while the networks are very resilient and built to withstand severe weather, objects such as trees, branches and other debris can be blown around by the wind during a storm and cause damage which leads to power cuts1.
The ENA's advice for anyone who sees a fallen power line or other damaged infrastructure is to keep as far away from the hazard as possible, and to keep other people as far away as possible without putting themselves in danger, then to contact their network operator immediately: in Great Britain call 105, and in Northern Ireland call 03457 6436431. It said that if there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, people should dial 9991. Its preparation steps for bad weather were to keep a mobile phone fully charged, keep a torch handy in case of being without power during the night, and check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours and make sure they are prepared too1. Power cuts can be reported free on 105 in England, Scotland and Wales, and on 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland1.
"It's really important to stay safe when bad weather hits. If you come across fallen power lines or damage to the electricity network, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it. If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999."
The ENA describes itself as the industry body representing the energy networks, with members including every major electricity network operator in the UK; it says the electricity networks directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices, and are spending and investing £33bn in electricity grids over the coming years1.
Why it matters for households
The warnings cover the period in which Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice arrive, and the ENA states that disruption to transport and utilities is possible according to the Met Office1. For households, the practical consequence set out by the ENA is the risk of power cuts caused by wind-blown debris damaging overhead lines and other equipment1. The ENA says network companies have contacted customers who may need extra help in a power cut, and its advice includes checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours1. The Met Office weather warnings guide explains what the yellow and amber levels mean, and the storms and snow hub covers wider household preparation for severe weather.
What happens next
The ENA has not reported a timetable beyond the arrival of the two storms. It asks anyone who sees a fallen power line or damaged network infrastructure to stay clear and report it on 105 in Great Britain or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland, and to dial 999 where there is an immediate risk to life1.
Sources (1)
- Energy networks issue storm safety advice, Energy Networks Association (ENA), energynetworks.org
