WATCHDOG TO PROBE FIRMS OVER ARWEN
Ofgem wants answers as power outages hit a week
ENERGY regulator Ofgem has launched an urgent review into the response of energy network companies to Storm Arwen that has left thousands without power for a week.
The damage caused by the winds that struck last Friday caused “catastrophic damage” to parts of the electricity network.
It was worst in areas of Scotland and the north of England where 9200 people are still without power.
About 130 Army troops were sent to carry out door-to-door checks and offer welfare support in the northeast of Scotland, where about 1250 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) customers remained without supply yesterday.
South of the border, Durham County Council said 100 servicemen and women will be based in Weardale to help local people.
Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem’s chief executive, said: “We accept the network companies have been working in challenging conditions but until every home in Britain has power restored, that relentless effort must continue.
“We are launching a review into how the storm has been handled.
“We have strict rules on how network companies need to operate in these circumstances and we will take action if needed.”
A £700 cap on compensation has been lifted, allowing those affected to claim £70 for each 12-hour period they are left without power, after an initial £70 for the first 48 hours.
Helen Shand, from Inchmarlo, Kincardineshire, made the decision to go to her son’s house in a nearby village after a few days.
She said: “It was miserable. I have never been so cold in all my life. Even the dog was cold.”
SSEN said power was being restored to 1100 homes yesterday and about 500 customers are expected to be reconnected today.
A spokesman added: “SSEN welcomes Ofgem’s review. Our focus remains firmly on reconnecting the remaining customers without power, and we will also be conducting our own internal review.”
A LACK of staff and the impact of Storm Arwen caused amendments and nine cancellations to Caledonian Sleeper services from tomorrow until Thursday, operator Serco said last night.