UK Power Networks said on 1 February 2022 that it was preparing for power cuts from Storm Eunice, which was forecast to cross its region on the Friday, the day after Storm Dudley1. The network operator said winds of up to 80mph were predicted in coastal areas of the East and South East of England, which could cause power cuts when trees, branches and other debris are blown onto overhead power lines1.
The company said there would be more than 100 engineering teams on duty, with extra engineers, damage assessment teams and call centre staff ready to respond around the clock1. It said investment in remote control technology would allow engineers to fix some power cuts quickly without visiting damage sites, and that teams would be able to climb poles to repair overhead power lines as soon as the winds subsided to a safe level1. A second company notice said the country was preparing for winds up to 90mph from Storm Eunice on the Friday, after Storm Dudley the night before, and that more than 100 engineering teams would be on duty from that night2. The two notices give different figures for the strongest forecast winds: up to 80mph in the first1 and up to 90mph in the second2.
The second notice said two storms in quick succession could increase the chances of trees and branches damaging overhead power lines, and that UK Power Networks invests £19 million in tree cutting every year2. Both notices said the company was in contact with local resilience partners to help preparations1.
Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation, said:
"Based on the forecasts we anticipate that Eunice has the potential to cause significant damage to electricity networks so we are ready with extra resources on duty. Our message to people is to please be prepared at home, in case your power goes off."
Why it matters for households
Households across the East and South East of England, particularly on the coast, could lose power if overhead lines are brought down1. UK Power Networks said it provides free extra help to people living in vulnerable circumstances who are on its Priority Services Register, and urged residents to sign up if eligible1. The register can be joined at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority or by email at psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk2. Our guide to the Priority Services Register sets out who can join and what it provides.
The company's advice for a power cut includes ringing freephone 105, charging mobile phones before the weather hits and using a rechargeable powerbank if householders have one, and using a corded phone if they have one because cordless landlines do not work in a power cut1. It also advises checking that a torch is working and has spare batteries, taking care with candles, keeping freezer doors closed because freezers remain cold for several hours without power, and keeping warm by dressing in warm clothes1. It asks people to look out for vulnerable neighbours and call 105 if they need assistance, and to check its live power cut map for updates1. On damaged lines, its advice is to stay away, keep everyone clear and call 1051. Our guides to storms and the electricity network and to mobile networks in a power cut cover how overhead lines fail and what happens to phone service.
What happens next
UK Power Networks said teams would work to keep customers updated, with the latest information on its website and by following @ukpowernetworks on Twitter1. It said teams would climb poles to repair overhead lines once winds subsided to a safe level1. No further dates were given in either notice.
Sources (2)
- Engineers gear up for Storm Eunice | UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk
- Power network prepares for Storms Dudley and Eunice | UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Storms and the Electricity Grid
