The Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) have just launched their Be Winter Ready campaign. The ENA represents the companies operating the wires and pipes of the energy system in the UK and Ireland.
Last year’s storm season proved to be one of the most disruptive on record and this winter may also be challenging with possible disruption from stormy weather and potential supply issues. the ENA want to make sure that their customers are as prepared as possible for what to do in a power cut or if you smell gas. Their key message for this year is:
- Prepare: Make a plan and know what to do if you have a power cut or smell gas
- Care: Check in with people who might need extra help
- Share: Share this information so friends and family can make a plan too
Additional support is also available to constituents through the Priority Service Register https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/extra-help-for-customers which signs-up people who need extra support during storm disruption in advance so they can be offered additional support by their local networks.
• Prepare – Make a plan and know what to do if you have a power cut or smell gas.
- Power cut? Go online to report it or call 105, the free power cut emergency number.
- Smell gas? Call 0800 111 999 immediately.
- Keep a mobile phone fully charged so you can use it to go online or call for updates.
- Go to https://www.energynetworks.org/be-winter-ready/ to find out how to make your plan.
• Care – Check in with people who might need extra help.
- Check on neighbours, family, and friends to make sure they have a plan if they have a power cut or smell gas.
- Check now to see if you or someone you know can get extra help during bad weather through the Priority Services Register (see information below).
- If you, or someone you know, depends on power for medical equipment and you/they don’t already have a power cut plan, you should speak to your healthcare provider now. Power cuts can happen all-year-round so it’s important you are prepared and know what to do.
• Share – Share this information and the https://www.energynetworks.org/be-winter-ready/ website with others.
How can you sign up to the Priority Services Register?
Eligible people can sign up for the Priority Services Register by contacting their energy supplier (the company they pay each month for their energy) or their network operator (the local energy network that directly provides gas or electricity to their home).
You can get priority services if energy companies class them as needing additional support. They are eligible if any of the below apply:
- Have reached state pension age
- Are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
- Are recovering from an injury
- Have a hearing or sight condition
- Have a mental health condition
- Are pregnant or have young children
- Have communication needs
Being on the Priority Services Register means they will be eligible for extra help and support if there is a power cut or disruption to their gas supply. This includes:
- Advanced notice of planned power cuts
- Priority support in an emergency o Identification scheme – to provide reassurance that callers, for example meter readers are genuine
- Password protection scheme – network operators must offer to agree a password with customers that can be used by any representative of the company to enable customers to identify them.
- You can also register someone else; just phone that person’s supplier and explain the situation. The supplier may want to speak to the person to gain verbal consent where possible.
For more information visit https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/extra-help-for-customers
How can people identify their local electricity or gas network?
People often choose who supplies their energy, but do not always know who looks after their local electricity or gas network.
Energy suppliers bill people for the energy they use. However, in the event of a disruption to supply as a result of a severe weather people will need to contact their energy network operator.
Network operators are different from energy suppliers. They own and run the pipes and wires that carry gas and electricity. There are different owners in different regions, with gas transmission being the exception, which is owned and operated by National Grid Gas.
To find out your local network operator click on the link and enter your post code: https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
To identify your energy supplier, look for the contact details on your latest bill.
What if severe weather is forecast?
If you experience a power cut, visit: https://www.powercut105.com to find network your network operator’s details and to report the power cut or find out what’s happening.
Follow your network operator on social media so they can find local updates. They can be found at https://www.energynetworks.org/be-winter-ready/
- Save 105, the free national power cut emergency number, to your phone.
- Save 0800 111 999, the free national gas emergency number, to your phone.
- Keep a mobile phone fully charged to go online for updates or call if they have a power cut.
- Keep a torch handy by your bed in case of loss of power during the night.
- Have warm clothes, blankets and food which doesn’t need heating accessible.
What should you do if your power is disrupted?
- Should you experience a powercut, visit powercut105.com. There they can find their network operator’s details and they can report the power cut or find out what’s happening.
- If you cannot get online, they should call 105 for free and their electricity network company will be able to tell them the cause of the fault and keep them updated on when they can expect to be reconnected.
- If you can check on neighbours who might need extra support, and if their power does go off, leave a light switch in the on position so they know when power is restored.
What should you do if your gas supply is disrupted?
- In the event of disruption to your gas supply call the National Gas Emergency Number: 0800 111 999
- Smell gas? Immediately call 0800 111 999
What should you do if you see fallen power lines and damaged electrical equipment?
Nobody should approach fallen power lines or any other damaged electrical equipment, keep as far away as possible, warn anyone in the area to stay clear and call the free emergency number 105 to report it. Calling the emergency number will connect the caller with their local electricity network operator.
For more information visit https://www.energynetworks.org/be-winter-ready/