Storm Pia cuts power to over 47,000 Northern Powergrid customers

Northern Powergrid reported on 21 December 2023 that Storm Pia had affected over 47,000 of its customers across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, with West Yorkshire seeing the greatest impact¹. The company said the storm brought strong winds overnight and throughout the day¹.

The figures moved through the day. In an update at 11am, the company said more than 40,000 customers had been affected so far and that its teams had reconnected more than 28,000³. By 4pm it put the total affected at over 47,000 and said nearly 39,000 had been reconnected, 84% of those affected². In its later statement it said it had restored power to more than 45,000 customers and restored more than 96% by that evening, and expected all those still affected to have their power back on that night¹.

Northern Powergrid said its customer support vehicles moved around communities through the day, checking on those who may be more vulnerable in a power cut and providing welfare services including hot drinks and phone charging facilities¹. It said support vehicles in the worst hit areas would carry Northern Powergrid branding and offer hot drinks and phone charging points², and that generators were being connected where possible to help the worst affected and most vulnerable customers back on supply². The company said customers on its Priority Services Membership continued to receive extra advice and support and were kept informed of when their power was likely to return¹.

Why it matters for households

The disruption covered the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, with West Yorkshire carrying the largest share¹. Northern Powergrid said it kept affected customers updated by text message, on its website and through social media, and that estimated restoration times were published on its website¹. It asked anyone who knows of neighbours or relatives who may be in a vulnerable position to call 105 so they can get the additional support they need². Households can join the Priority Services Membership at northernpowergrid.com/care or by calling 105, and there is a dedicated priority service line on 0800 169 2996². Power cuts can be reported online at northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts or by calling 105, and also by WhatsApp on 0191 687 22 54, available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm². The company asked anyone who spots fallen trees on power lines or poles, or damaged cables, to stay well clear and call 105 immediately¹. Our guides on how long restoration takes, storms and the electricity network and the Priority Services Register set out what households can expect.

What happens next

Northern Powergrid said it would continue working into the night and expected all customers still impacted to have their power back on that night, 21 December 2023¹. It said it would keep those still affected updated by text message, on its website and through social media¹. No further restoration figures beyond that evening have been reported.