Repair work is continuing on Cumbria’s power network as heavy snow has caused severe damage to miles of overhead lines.
Engineers from Electricity North West have been battling the treacherous conditions since late yesterday (Saturday) evening and have worked throughout the day and will continue into the night.
Widespread disruption has devastated the county with many impassable roads whilst the power network has seen more than 35 separate damages reported with several consecutive spans of overhead line brought down which all need repairing before power can be fully restored.
Thousands of properties have also experienced power cuts with many customers still impacted. Hundreds of inbound and outbound calls have been handled by Electricity North West with call agents on hand to provide help and support where possible.
While engineers have been able to restore power to many properties by reconfiguring the network remotely, some customers will be off for longer until engineers can reach affected sites and carry out physical repairs.
Power has now been restored to around 7,500 properties and teams of engineers are working as quickly and as safely as possible to the remaining 1,500 properties. Access continues to be a major issue and even specialist 4x4 vehicles cannot reach all sites, with equipment for repairs being carried on foot in some locations.
Stephanie Trubshaw, Electricity North West’s customer director, said: “The damage to the network is significant and, in some cases, we’ve found several consecutive spans of overhead line damaged.
“Teams have worked tirelessly, battling the horrendous conditions and we’ve been able to restore power to around 7,500 properties.
“Driving conditions are still posing major problems and we’re also unearthing more damage as teams recce sites throughout the South Lakes area.
“We will continue to work around the clock to ensure power is restored and we recognise the difficulties customers will have. If you need to report a power cut or need additional support, please call us on 105 and if you need urgent help in a life-threating situation call 999.”
Today, Electricity North West has drafted in teams of engineers from across the North West as well as contractors to help with repairs. Additional teams have been brought into the contact centre to keep customers updated and a helicopter has been used to identify damage and move people and equipment.
Tomorrow, engineers from other regional electricity networks across the country will be on hand to assist with the huge scale of repair work.
The power network operator is continuing to liaise with Cumbria’s Local Resilience Forum as multiple agencies respond to the incident.
“We know this is an extremely difficult time for all of those affected and I want to thank customers who have reached out and sent messages of support to our teams,” added Stephanie.
“We’re regularly reviewing our restoration times and due to the severity and the amount of damage, many of these have now been set for tomorrow evening. But we are still working and will continue to restore people through the night as repair work is complete.
“We’re doing this so people have time to make alternative arrangements and these will be constantly reviewed once we have more information and details from site.”
