Teams at Western Power Distribution are getting ready for the two storms that are due to arrive this week. Storm Dudley is expected to arrive on Wednesday 16th February, with Storm Eunice following on Friday. From Wednesday to Saturday morning, both storms are going to bring strong winds and heavy showers to Powys. This has the potential to bring disruption to the network. Operations Director Graham Halladay says:

“We know that storm conditions can be a worrying time for our customers, so we have put a range of measures in place to ensure we’re ready for any impact on the electricity network.

“Preparations will be in place so that, whatever the weather, we can work to restore power supplies quickly and safely for you if they are disrupted.”

In particular, WPD has:

·         Additional operational and engineering staff ready and on stand-by to respond to any network issues.

·         Additional Contact and control centre operatives available to manage the electricity network and to help customers with their enquiries

·         Put arrangements in place to open offices early as required.

·         Preparations to operate 24/7 in support of operational field staff (e.g. IT, communications).

·         Home workers are available to assist throughout the business and ramp up rooms are on standby to open if necessary.

·         Helicopters available to fly and identify badly affected areas to hasten repairs if safe to do so from first light.

·         Planned work will be cancelled as appropriate.

There are also preparations you can take:

1.    Keep WPD’s telephone number handy or save it in your mobile phone (105 or 0800 6783 105) so you can report a power cut or call for information and advice.

2.    Keep a battery/solar charger handy so that you can recharge your smart phone or tablet and follow updates on social media, WPD’s online power cut map or Power Cut Reporter app.

3.    Keep your freezer shut – depending on the type of freezer you have, the contents could stay frozen for up to 12 hours.

4.    Check that you have a phone available that will work in a power cut – digital or cordless ones may not work.

5.    Have things like a torch or lantern ready (it is best not to use candles or paraffin lights).

6.    Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers with a surge protector plug.

7.    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.