ELECTRICITY NORTH WEST ISSUES EMAIL WARNING TO BE WINTER READY AS IT OUTLINES POSSIBLE FUTURE POWER CUTS COULD BE AHEAD

Electricity Northwest has started issuing emails to customers on their extra care support scheme, claiming that although unlikely, there is a possibility that emergency power cuts could happen in a 'worst case scenario' due what they claim to be the 'Bad Weather'. 

The communication states that cuts could last up to three hours at a time, up to twice per day, and would essentially leave some homes without heating or lighting.

Although the National Grid has said that this likelihood of this happening is unlikely, Electricity Northwest has made provisions as a precaution.

Power cuts would be made using a block system with homes effectively put onto a rota.

As temperatures remain below zero in some parts of the country, the prospect of potential power cuts offer a bleak outlook for the coming winter.

No homes would be exempt from the cuts including those on the extra care scheme, and ENW are unable to offer assistance with generators etc...

Those who require power to run medical equiptment should contact your GP with regards to how any such cuts would affect your health.

Hopefully this will not come to pass, but it is better to be prepared than not.

The letter reads as below:

Quote

Be Winter Ready: Help for your household

Your rota block letter: #
PLEASE KEEP THIS INFORMATION SAFE
 
Helping you prepare

As the temperatures are dropping and the risk of bad weather increases, we want to help you prepare. You may have seen has been some information in the media about emergency power cuts this winter. We want you to know that while National Grid has said that this is unlikely, we do plan for such events every year. 

As you are registered for our extra care services, we want to provide you with some helpful information to help you understand possible impacts and prepare. You can see more at www.enwl.co.uk/BeWinterReady

What would be the impact?

If emergency power cuts are needed, you could have a power cut for at least three hours at a time, once or twice a day. The power cut would affect all power in your home including lighting, heating, electrical cooking appliances, wi-fi and some landline phones.

How can I prepare?

If needed the power cuts would be scheduled in blocks. Every property has a block letter and a rota will be announced publicly in the unlikely event of emergency power cuts happening.
Your rota block letter is #

If you want to check it, you can go to www.powercut105.com/findoperator or by looking at the top of your latest energy bill. Keep it safe as it will help you find out when you’ll be without power if power cuts are needed.

No homes are exempt, even if you are an Extra Care Register customer. Due to the scale and size of demand, electricity network operators cannot supply generators/backup power to customers for these emergencies.

What if I rely on electricity for medical equipment?

We recommend that you speak to your GP or NHS professional if you are reliant on electricity to support medical equipment, to create or confirm your personal back-up plan. You can also take a look at our frequently asked questions at www.enwl.co.uk/BeWinterReady to help you consider what you might need in your back up plan or for more information, including advice and support that can help you with the cost of living.

Have a safe winter.

Electricity North West Customer Team