Slow response to Arwen sees Ofgem lambast energy firms

OFGEM has threatened punitive action against energy firms over their sluggish response to restore power to more than 9,000 homes in the aftermath of Storm Arwen.

Eight days after the storm struck, thousands in the north of England and Scotland are struggling to survive without electricity.

The Ministry of Defence announced it had deployed nearly 300 soldiers in aid relief for an estimated 5,000 residents after the storm caused “catastrophic” damage to energy networks.

Households in the affected areas are now bracing themselves for freezing temperatures with lows of 34F (1C) and sleet and rain predicted in the next 24 hours. Most areas are unlikely to see temperatures rise above 45F (7C).

A disabled woman in Northumberland told reporters she feared she “wouldn’t survive” in the “bitter cold” after her power was knocked out. A man in Co Durham said he was forced to use his dog as a “hot water bottle” to stave off the near-freezing temperatures.

Figures from industry body the Energy Networks Association revealed about 9,200 homes were without power as of Friday evening.

Jonathan Brearley, the chief executive of Ofgem, has lambasted the delay from energy companies, saying they should be “relentless” in their efforts.

He told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme: “We want to establish the facts and make sure we understand what has happened, whether the network companies have met their obligations.

“If they haven’t, we will take enforcement action,” he added. “We do recognise the challenging circumstances those companies are in. But what we expect from the network companies is to be relentless in connecting people, but also to be putting support in place.”

Ofgem has also agreed with firms to lift the £700 cap on compensation which could be given to customers.

Boris Johnson said his “thoughts are with all those who are still affected by the terrible damage from Storm Arwen”.

The Prime Minister added: “I want to thank the emergency responders and engineers who have been working tirelessly this week to try and restore power.

“I also want to thank our brilliant Armed Forces who have been deployed rapidly to support those communities which are worst affected.”

The MoD said 297 personnel from the British Army and Royal Marines are supporting civil authorities and are conducting door-to-door checks on vulnerable people in their homes and providing reassurance to local communities.