Throughout the region, engineers are carrying out the network operator’s specialist winter protection programme while multimillion-pound flood prevention schemes have also been completed.

Skilled arborists are working to fell, prune and manage trees that pose a potential threat to powerful overhead lines and engineers are reinforcing areas of the electricity network.

Engineers carry out regular maintenance on the network throughout the year, which for safety often means planned power cuts. During winter, the operator switches to its ‘Winter Hours’ programme, which restricts the number of planned power cuts impacting customers.

Clive Wilkinson, south operations director covering Greater Manchester and neighbouring areas at Electricity North West, said: “Each year, we invest heavily in our network to ensure it is robust and less susceptible to power cuts.

“However, the winter months typically bring severe weather conditions and this is why we deploy a winter ready programme where we ensure the network is protected for customers.

“As the region’s power network operator, we are committed to providing the power to keep people’s lives running day in, day out. We work 24/7 every day of the year investing in the network, monitoring its performance and responding round the clock if power cuts do happen.”

Electricity North West offers a free Priority Services Register (PSR) for those who need extra help during a power cut. To find out more and register, visit www.enwl.co.uk/priority.

For advice on how to be prepared and stay safe please visit www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/dealing-with-power-cuts or to report a power cut, please call 105.

Search online for #BeWinterReady or follow Electricity North West for more tips.