The voice of the networks

How can this website be improved? Give us your feedback

UK’s energy networks keeping you safe and your energy flowing throughout the pandemic

13 January 2021

 

As the COVID-19 vaccination programme ramps up and lockdown measures remain in place, gas and electricity workers will continue their work in and around our communities to keep the UK's energy flowing.

Since the beginning of the pandemic the electricity and gas network operators have been ensuring that everyone continues to receive a safe and reliable energy supply. This will not change. The work our members do is critical to keeping the UK’s energy flowing, which is why the Government identifies the work we do as essential.

We know you are relying on us to keep you safe and warm at home. We also know this is a difficult time for people and that we all need to work differently so we will continue to prioritise:

  • Keeping our customers and colleagues safe
  • Keeping the UK’s energy flowing
  • Looking after those most in need

Many of our colleagues need to leave their homes to provide essential services. Where our colleagues have to leave the house to carry out their jobs, the social distancing guidelines issued by the UK Government apply.

We will always prioritise attending power cuts, gas leaks and urgent safety issues to make sure you continue to receive a safe and reliable energy supply. If you see us outside your home or if we have to visit your property during lockdown, be assured it is because it is critical. The work we do keeps you safe and warm. Any work outside your home or visit to you will be absolutely necessary to ensure you have power and heat, and to reduce the risk of any future loss of energy supply.

If you have a power cut then call 105 or visit powercut105.com. Call 0800 111 999 immediately if you smell gas. If you are shielding, self-isolating or have symptoms of COVID-19 and we are due to attend your property, please let us know in advance. We’ll still come and help you, but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.

Those who may live in more vulnerable circumstances, or are deemed at higher risk should consider signing up for energy networks’ Priority Services Registers. This provides free additional services to customers in vulnerable circumstances if there is a power cut or they lose gas supply unexpectedly. You can find out more about the Register by contacting your local electricity or gas distributor. Find out more at energynetworks.org/coronavirus.

As the Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic develops, we are continuing to keep our activities under careful review. We will always take an approach which safeguards the health and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues, while maintaining a safe and reliable supply of energy.

Press contacts for journalists

Peter Kocen

Senior Press and Public Affairs Manager

+44 (0)7792 220 974

peter.kocen@energynetworks.org

ENA Press Office

press@energynetworks.org

 

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.

More information