Western Power Distribution (WPD) is working with the Energy Networks Association on a new national campaign called Be Winter Ready, which is to be launched on Thursday 2nd November 2017.
Be Winter Ready aims to encourage people to prepare in case they experience a power cut or gas emergency this winter.
We’re contacting all of our stakeholders to make you aware of the campaign as it would be great if you could help share this important information. For those of you for whom it is relevant to do so, we also wanted to ask if you would be able to share some of our content through your channels to help spread the word about the campaign.
Background
In recent years the chances of unscheduled problems with electricity and gas supply have dropped dramatically. Since 1990, network companies have invested £80bn in improving the reliability of local energy networks in the UK. As a result, on average, electricity customers have a power cut just once every two years and gas distribution customers will have their gas supply interrupted without advance notice just once every 40 years. Whilst the UK’s gas and electricity supply is very reliable, bad winter weather can cause damage and disruption.
Steps you can take:
We are therefore sharing this simple advice to help people prepare:
- Know your free emergency numbers: In a power cut dial 105 or, for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111999.
- Prepare your home: Keep a torch handy and get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Register as a vulnerable customer: Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register. If you live in the Midlands, South West or South Wales you can register with WPD here. If you live in a different area you can contact your gas or electricity network to find out more. Visit www.energynetworks.org to find out who your network operator is.
- Keep your eyes open: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if you have a power cut or a gas emergency, check on your neighbours.