Hundreds of engineers are continuing to carry out mass repair work on Cumbria’s power network following strong winds which damaged miles of overhead lines.
Teams from Electricity North West have made further progress overnight and have restored power to 96 per cent of customers affected, meaning more than 55,000 properties across the region have been reconnected to the power network.
Fallen trees, branches and debris have caused widespread damage and 185 separate sites of damage have been reported.
Main impacts have been in north Cumbria and Electricity North West has increased the number of staff to survey and assess sites, knock on doors of customers and local catering outlets are also on hand to provide support.
Forecasters yesterday named Storm Jocelyn and wind speeds are expected to reach 65mph across the North West this afternoon.
Steph Trubshaw, Electricity North West’s customer director, said: “We’ve experienced significant engineering challenges, and, in some instances, multiple lengths of line have been damaged by trees and debris.
“Our focus is on carrying out repair work as quickly and as safely as possible and restoring power to the remaining 1,944 properties. I want to thank the efforts of our staff so far and customers for their patience and understanding in what a difficult time is.”
Throughout Storm Isha, Electricity North West’s call centre has handled more than 8,200 inbound calls whilst it has also made 6,500 proactive calls to customers on its Extra Care Register.
Catering outlets to provide hot food and drinks can be found at:
- Memorial Hall, Kirkby Thore, Penrith CA10 1XU
- Plumbland Village Hall, School Lane, Wigton, CA7 2DQ
- Soulby Village Hall, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4PL
- The Old Bank Tearoom, 23 Market Square, Aspatria, CA7 3HB
Colleagues from across all areas of the company are knocking on doors and calling customers in affected areas to offer support.
“Our restoration times are being updated regularly based on the live information we receive from site,” added Steph.
“We are informing customers who may be without power until Wednesday so that they can make alternative arrangements and will continue to support them throughout the day.
“If you’re concerned or need additional support, call us on 105 and we can give you the latest information and advice to keep you safe while we get your power back on.”
For live power cut information go to www.enwl.co.uk/powercuts. You can follow updates and contact Electricity North West on X and Facebook, or you can call for free on 105 from any phone.
