Many parts of southern England are currently experiencing severe flooding with the potential for the situation to worsen over coming days. Our substations distribute electricity to customers and are mostly situated at ground level and subject to these conditions.
For the last two months we have been inspecting our equipment on a regular basis and where required putting measures in place to protect it from flood water. This has largely been successful with very few substations having to be isolated for safety reasons.
We continue to frequently inspect substations which may be at risk and have deployed a number of measures to prevent damage from the floods. These measures are currently effective and we are endeavouring to preserve customers electricity supplies in every practical way we can.
If floodwaters do enter a customer's premises it is likely that both our equipment and the customers installation will be affected. This can lead to a loss of supply. If this happens we will give every assistance to restore supplies once the floodwaters recede. Customers should contact us on our emergency number 0800 072 7282 when they want us to check and restore our equipment and we will respond as quickly as possible.
It is essential that electrical installations that have been subject to water damage are inspected by qualified professionals. It is therefore important that customers also contact their own electrician to inspect, test and reinstate their own equipment before they re-enter their premises and switch on the power.