Five years on from the hugely disruptive storms Desmond and Eva which caused widespread flooding across the North West, the network operator continues to invest to keep power flowing.

Throughout the region, engineers have been carrying out a £6m specialist winter protection programme which includes improving flood defences at some of its key sites.

Skilled arborists also work year-round to fell, prune and manage trees which could be a potential threat to powerful overhead lines if hit by strong winds.

Clive Wilkinson, operations director at Electricity North West, said: “Each year, we make a significant investment to ensure our network is robust and less susceptible to power cuts.

“Typically, the winter months bring treacherous conditions, and this is why we deploy a winter programme where we ensure the network is protected for customers.

“Now more than ever, we are reliant on electricity and we are committed to keeping the power flowing day in, day out.”

Engineers carry out regular maintenance on the network which can mean planned power cuts so that work can be carried out safely. During winter, these planned power cuts are shorter to reduce impact on customers.

Electricity North West is also encouraging people to sign up to its free priority service register to get advanced notice of planned power cuts needed for maintenance, and weather warnings when forecasts are predicted to affect power supplies.

If there is an unplanned power cut, those on the register get prioritised and enhanced communication throughout and even practical help such as torches and hot food and drink in some instances.

For more information about Electricity North West’s Be Winter Ready campaign, and how you can get extra support visit www.enwl.co.uk/bewinterready.