NORTHERN Powergrid has set out plans to reconnect the remaining 1200 homes to the network after Storm Dudley brought wind speeds of over 70mph but has admitted that a handful of properties will have to wait until Friday (February 18) before power and heat can be restored to the homes.
Adverse weather conditions brought by the storm caused extensive property damage and widespread power cuts, which affected 20,000 customers at its peak.
Despite making progress overnight, Northern Powergrid has updated those impacted – by saying that they’ll “endeavour” to reconnect everyone but have highlighted that “things take time” and some could be left with no power for another 24 hours.
Read more: Snow set to hit parts of the North East and North Yorkshire tonight
Andy Bilclough, director of Field Operations at Northern Powergrid, said: “Our teams made really good progress through the night, our focus is now to restore supplies to the remaining final 1,200 customers who are still without power.
“Other than the inevitable few surprises that always get uncovered at the end of a storm restoration, we have the work planned out for all of our resources. We are shooting to get it all done today – we don’t want any of our customers to be off supply for a minute longer than they have to be.”
Currently, teams from Powergrid have been able to collect information on the extent of the damage and will continue to look for more points of damage as they reconnect main sections of our power lines, which is not unusual in the aftermath of a storm, according to the company.
A spokesperson for Powergrid added: “Our welfare support teams are mobilised to help those customers who are still without power. Our customer support vehicles have been deployed and we have food vans available. We are continuing to work closely with our local resilience partners and are being guided by them as to where the support is most needed in the communities affected.”
As well as dealing with the aftermath of Storm Dudley, the North East is braced for Storm Eunice, which is set to batter the region between 3am and 6pm tomorrow, where a yellow weather warning for wind and snow is set to be place.
What have Northern Powergrid said about Storm Eunice and estimated restoration times?
“We are preparing ourselves to deal with Storm Eunice, which is due to hit our operating area on Friday. The indications are that the storm will bring strong winds and snow, so it does present a risk to supplies. For that reason, we are very focused on getting the customers affected by Storm Dudley reconnected ahead of that storm coming in.
“Customers affected by interruptions on parts of the network where we are likely to be able to restore a significant proportion of those customers before Friday will see an initial estimated restoration time for some time during Thursday.
“Customers affected by interruptions where the early indications are that it there is a good chance that will not be able to restore power during Thursday will see an initial estimated time of Friday.
“When our team has been able to assess and prioritise the work involved, we will provide an updated estimated restoration time.
“If we are in a position where we are going to attempt restoration but there is a significant risk that the work might not be completed until Friday, we will set the updated estimate restoration time at 10pm.”
How to stay in touch with Northern Powergrid
Customers with a disability, medical condition, or very young families, who may need greater assistance during a power cut and have signed up to the company's Priority Services Membership, will be kept updated as a priority. For any customers on Northern Powergrid’s priority service register who require further support, can contact the dedicated priority service line 0800 169 2996.
The company are also reminding anyone who spots any damaged overhead power lines or other equipment that they must not approach the area and should report it immediately by calling 105. Powergrid’s 24/7 centre will be available with advisors ready to provide information, advice and support to customers who call 105, the free, three-digit power cut number.
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