SP Energy Networks to review response in wake of Storm Arwen
Affected customers’ power restored in 24 hours
Affected customers’ power restored in 48 hours
Customers’ power restored
Calls taken in SP Energy Networks’ call centres
The scale of the damage caused by Storm Arwen was some of the worst the UK’S power networks have experienced in 25 years, bringing down power lines and disrupting power supplies to thousands of homes.
Now, SP Energy Networks is looking to review its response to the crisis, with particular focus on the rural communities worst affected.
The review, chaired independently by former UK Energy Minister Rt Hon Charles Hendry CBE will evaluate the response to the storm and determine whether improvements could be made.
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) teams worked to restore power to the 200,000 customers impacted, often in challenging weather conditions, to connect 89% of customers in the first 24 hours following the storm and 96% within 48 hours.
However, a significant number of rural customers and communities were without power for more than two days and SP Energy Networks recognises the impact that this has had upon those customers.
The review will consider: SPEN’S response and communications with rural communities during a major storm event, and power for more than 48 hours due to Storm Arwen are to receive an additional £150 compensation before the end of the year.
SP Energy Networks, distribution network operator for some of the areas affected by Storm Arwen, say the funds are an apology for the disruption.
The funds are in addition to statutory compensation of over £1million, and the offer of welfare provision that has involved hotel rooms, hot food costs and other measures worth a further £1million, that has already been committed by the company to those affected.
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: across the communities we serve from Fife, Lothian and Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales from north-easterly wind speeds of up to 97mph, was far greater than we have seen for at least 25 years.
“Our engineers worked daily from first light until the small hours to make repairs as quickly and as safely as they could, and I’m hugely proud of their efforts.
“I hope our customers can accept this additional gesture of goodwill, which will be made available before Christmas, and I’d personally like to thank everyone again for bearing with us at what has been a very challenging time.” what improvements can be made.
SPEN’S role in working with local authorities and resilience during a storm response, and how this could be improved; and, looking ahead to net zero, how network and electricity resilience in rural areas could be improved, to ensure that the balance of costs and resilience is met appropriately.
It will be supported by an expert panel drawn from local communities, and its findings are expected to be published towards the end of March next year.
Rt Hon Charles Hendry CBE said: “We need to take stock and understand what could be done differently to prepare or respond to an event like this to minimise its effect in future.
“Those in rural communities were affected the worst, and so we’ll be focusing on those areas to ensure their voices are heard.”
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, added: “We remain incredibly grateful to our customers for their patience as our engineers worked tirelessly to make repairs safely amid some continuing challenging weather conditions but we also appreciate the worry and uncertainty over the length of time without power has brought to some customers.”