Electricity North West engineers are continuing to work on a severely damaged power network throughout Cumbria after significant progress was made overnight.
Storm Arwen caused devastating damage across the power network in the North West, with over 900 separate incidents affecting around 117,000 properties across the region.
More than 97 per cent of those affected have had their power restored and now repairs across Lancashire and the High Peak are complete, further resources are being deployed across the county.
Electricity North West colleagues from across the business are also continuing to work across the region supporting repair work and help those customers who need additional support.
Stephanie Trubshaw, Electricity North West’s Incident Manager and Customer Director, said: “In terms of network damage, Storm Arwen is without a doubt the most damaging storm the North West has had this century and the UK has seen since the storms in 1987.
“The widespread damage is devastating, and we’ve seen more incidents than ever before caused by a single storm.
“We’ve made significant progress overnight and we’re deploying further resources into Cumbria to help restore power to customers as quickly as possible.”
Emergency accommodation for up to 300 people has also been secured in the county whilst food vans and community hubs are continuing to be deployed providing hot drinks, food and charging points.
Electricity North West has also secured further generators which will be deployed to even more locations in Cumbria.
As well as restoring power to more than 114,000 properties, Electricity North West has received around 70,000 calls from customers and made more than 6,000 outbound calls to people on its Priority Services register.
Stephanie Trubshaw added: “We’re continuing to carry out extensive reviews and provide updates to all customers affected.
“It is an extremely difficult time for everybody involved, we’re continuing to provide crucial support for as many people as possible and we won’t stop until power is restored to each customer.”
The emergency accommodation, which comprises of rooms with shower and charging facilities, is at YMCA Lakeside, National Centre, Ulverston, LA12 8BD. Those interested in making use of the facilities should attend the facility.
Electricity North West has also supported its vulnerable customers with fuel payments and provided other alternative accommodation such as hotels.
Compensation will also be provided to those affected and Electricity North West will communicate with its customers once all power is restored.
For more information about the location of food vans, please visit www.enwl.co.uk/StormArwen.
