Engineers working to restore power to properties cut off by Storm Arwen have described the storm as the most damaging since 1987 – and say they have seen more incidents than any other single storm.
Electricity North West engineers are continuing to work on a severely damaged power network throughout Cumbria, with the supplier saying “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 further resources are being deployed across the county.
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 new 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 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, visit www.enwl.co.uk/StormArwen.
