Storm Darragh: National Grid Electricity Distribution offers preparation advice to South Wales customers

Storm Darragh is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to South Wales, bringing the possibility of power cuts and other disruption.

The electricity network is built to be resilient, but extreme weather can impact power supplies. Engineers will be working around the clock to restore supplies quickly if severe weather causes disruptions.

Roisin Quinn, Director of Field Operations at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Engineers are ready to repair any damage that Storm Darragh causes, while our control centre will be working 24/7 to manage supplies, and our customer contact centre team will be available to answer customers’ calls around the clock.

“While our network is very reliable, we have been preparing for winter by carrying out repairs and maintenance ahead of time.

“Anyone who experiences a power cut, should call us on 105 and we’ll do all we can to get the lights back on as quickly as possible. We also encourage customers who need extra help and additional support to sign-up to our free Priority Services Register so they can receive additional support during a power cut.”

If you see any damage to our equipment, please stay back, don’t touch it and instead report it to us by calling 105.

National Grid Electricity Distribution has issued a power cut checklist, so its 1.2 million customers in South Wales can prepare for the storm.

Tips on how you can prepare in case of a power cut 

Keep our telephone number handy or save it in your mobile phone (105 or 0800 6783 105) so that you can report a power cut or call for free information and advice. 
Keep a battery/solar charger handy so that you can recharge your smart phone or tablet and follow updates on social media and our online power cut map. 
Keep your freezer shut – depending on the type of freezer you have, the contents could stay frozen for up to 12 hours.  
Have things like a torch or lantern ready (it is best not to use candles or paraffin lights). 
Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers with a surge protector plug. 
If you have a mains operated stair lift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return it safely to ground level if it stops working.

Customers can find out more information about power cuts at https://powercuts.nationalgrid.co.uk

Contact Information

Hannah McCarthy
National Grid
hannah.mccarthy@nationalgrid.com

Notes

National Grid operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales and is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.

The distribution network is responsible for delivering electricity to eight million customers and National Grid is committed to investing around £1 billion on its distribution network annually.

National Grid is not an electricity supply company and does not bill customers in the UK. Its responsibility is to distribute electricity to homes and businesses.

The distribution element makes up around 10 per cent of an average customer’s annual bill which is around £100 or 27p a day.

In a power cut, call 105 for free 24 hours a day.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra help and additional support during a power cut for elderly, very ill or disabled people, or those who rely on power for medical equipment. You can sign up here: https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/customers-and-community/priority-services