Fear of power blackouts if energy staff are infected

‘Reliable supplies and dedicated teams’

HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned of potential power cuts amid fears too many energy workers may get infected and be unable to maintain the grid.

UK Power Networks, which owns and looks after the electricity cables, has written to some of its most vulnerable customers. It warned pensioners and those with young children to keep torches and warm clothes nearby in case of blackouts.

They are also advised to have a ‘hat, gloves and blanket to hand to keep warm’ and a power bank to recharge mobiles, according to the Daily Telegraph.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: ‘We regularly contact customers on our Priority Services Register, to ensure we meet their needs and it’s never more important than in the current circumstances.

‘This is to ensure we continue to provide them with the best possible support. We are continuing to fix power cuts and maintain the electricity network. Across our networks, power supplies are 99.9 per cent reliable, and our dedicated teams are keeping the power flowing.’

A spokesman later added the email was ‘standard advice’ to remind priority customers in the rare case of a power cut.

It comes as many electricity firms put non-essential infrastructure work on hold.

The National Grid, which owns the electricity transmission network, insisted yesterday it had plans to keep energy running throughout the pandemic, however long it lasts.

And power industry bosses said Britain had one of the most reliable electricity supplies in the world.

David Smith, chief executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the gas and electricity grid operators across the country, said: ‘It is supported by stringent contingency plans and a workforce of 36,000 people.’