ELECTRICITY COMPANY PREPARES FOR STORM

Storm force gales are expected overnight, especially in the early hours of tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Senior EDF staff are in close contact with the Met Office, monitoring the weather conditions in anticipation of the poor forecast and in readiness for the impact this might have on overhead power lines in the South East.

Although the forecast is constantly changing, as of Friday lunchtime the warning is for damaging gusts of up to 70mph in exposed coastal areas and on high ground from midnight tonight.

If winds of this speed materialise there could be structural damage and a chance of trees bringing down power lines.

As a precautionary measure EDF Energy Networks has activated the early stages of its emergency plans and arranged for additional staff to be on standby covering engineering, technical and call centre roles in the run-up to the weekend.

A spokesman said: "The company has robust emergency plans in place to cope with severe weather and these are tested regularly, both in exercises and in real incidents.

"EDF Energy Networks is investing 400million this year in the networks it operates to reduce the likelihood of power cuts and the impact when they do occur.

"Although the weather is beyond the company's control we use equipment to withstand most of what our climate can cause and when we refurbish circuits we use designs and equipment to take advantage of new technology and techniques to increase the resilience and reliability of power supplies in such events.

"For example, the company uses automatic switches to turn the power off if a brief fault occurs, such as a branch touching a line then falling away. This equipment prevents more serious damage which could result in far more lengthy power interruptions."

In the event of a power cut EDF Energy Networks operates a free power cut helpline so customers can report any power cut incidents.

In the South East the power cut helpline is 0800 783 8866. When customers call during a major incident they are likely to hear an automatic message which recognises the area they are calling from and gives them information about faults we are aware of in that area. However, in an emergency, customers have an option to speak to one of our specially trained call takers.

In the event of a power cut EDF suggest the following advice:

Call our free power cut helpline for your area

Listen to your local radio station for updates on the progress of our repair work

If possible, prepare a flask of hot water before the bad weather hits so you can make yourself a hot drink

Keep a torch close to hand and if using candles, use them safely

Stay warm by staying in one room, or even in bed

Keep an eye on elderly or ill people living nearby

Take care if you go out as street lights will also be off supply

Switch off most electrical equipment