Britain’s energy network companies are reminding customers to continue to call if they smell gas or if there’s a power cut, as more people stay at home following new restrictions announced by the government.
Smell gas? Call 0800 111 999 immediately.
Power cut? Call 105.
Britain’s energy networks companies have prepared for the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 through a three-point plan, which includes ensuring critical operations continue:
Keeping gas and electricity flowing
- Britain’s power cut and gas emergency numbers are fully prepared to keep operating as usual under the new restrictions. Key workers have been identified following the Government’s announcement last week and customers should continue to use the service in an emergency as normal.
Looking after vulnerable customers
- If you’re an ‘at risk’ person who has received a letter from the NHS advising you to take additional measures to protect yourself from COVID-19, then you should consider signing up for the Priority Services Register. This provides free additional services to customers in vulnerable circumstances if there is a power cut. You can find out more about the Register by contacting your local electricity network or your energy supplier, whose number should be on your energy bill.
Keeping customers and staff safe
- In addition to identifying the key workers needed to continue serving our customers, health and safety advice continues to be reviewed daily and updated to keep in line with developments. Customers who have a confirmed or suspected case of the coronavirus and need an engineer to attend their property should ensure they tell their energy network operator before any visit so that appropriate precautionary arrangements can be put in place.
The UK’s energy network companies operate across the country, from the streets of Shetland to the roads of Penzance and so individual companies are reviewing their future maintenance plans and tailoring them according to the customers they serve. Some maintenance work is essential to keep your energy flowing safely and reliably, particularly as more people stay at home.
David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, said:
“This is a very difficult time for everyone. As we change and adapt, we want to give you peace of mind that we are working flat out to keep your energy flowing. In an emergency, you should continue to do what you have always done. Power cut? Call 105 as normal. Smell gas? Call 0800 111 999 immediately, as normal.
“When you call, let us know if you are displaying any of the symptoms of COVID-19. Our critical workers are continuing to work around the clock to keep you safe and warm.”
To register for the Priority Service Register, contact your local electricity network operator.
Notes to editor
- Editors are free to use the emergency number infographic attached to this release. Supplied by ENA.
- ENA is publishing the latest industry news at energynetworks.org/coronavirus
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.