SP Energy Networks has issued advice to help customers stay safe in the event of a power cut caused by forecast high winds over the coming days.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the UK for Thursday 21^st December, with up to 70-80mph winds expected to cause traffic disruptions, with the potential for power supplies and mobile phone coverage to be affected.

SP Energy Networks works 24/7 to protect network resilience to help reduce the chance of power loss and always responds to any issues as quickly as possible. Despite those preparations, there may be some damage to power lines and potentially fallen trees due to high winds which can cause access issues for engineers.

As a result, residents across the UK are being encouraged to prepare for some disruption.

Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer at SP Energy Networks, said: “Due to the potential for damage to our power lines, power cuts become more likely in high winds and it’s important our customers are fully prepared, just in case.

“We will mobilise teams of engineers to areas where we expect the high winds to have the most impact and our teams are on hand 24/7 to help all of our customers should they find themselves without power. The sooner we know about a power cut, the quicker we can begin work to get electricity restored, so if you experience a power cut, please report it to us by calling the free, national emergency helpline 105.”

Our advice for being prepared in the event of a power outage is:

• Have the national 105 emergency helpline on hand – it’s best to keep this on the fridge or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone.
• Store a battery or wind-up torch – leave this somewhere you can access easily so you can use the torch to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.
• Beware of fallen power lines – power lines may have fallen because of high winds so beware of this when venturing out of your home. Stay well clear and report this critical information to 105.
• Keep your mobile charged – having your mobile phone charged means you can give us a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. It’s also worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.
• Join the free Priority Services Register – if electricity is crucial to your health (for instance, if you use medical equipment at home) if you have a child aged five or under, or if you just feel you need a little extra help, ask to be included on SP Energy Networks’ Priority Services Register by calling 0330 1010 167 or text PSR to 61999.

For more information on what to do in the event of a power emergency, visit spenergynetworks.co.uk.

In the event of a power cut call the national 105 emergency helpline.