Flooding puts 60,000 properties in Carlisle at risk of power cuts (13:00 update)

6 Dec 2015

Flooding puts 60,000 properties in Carlisle at risk of power cuts (13:00 update)

Engineers are onsite and fire engines are currently pumping water from the major substation that serves the area and extra pumps and sandbags are on their way to site after the river Eden burst its banks and floodwater threaten to breach defences.

Also, 55,000 customers are without power in Lancaster after flood defences that were upgraded in 2010 to withstand a '1-in-100-years' flood were breached just before 23:00 last night (Saturday).

Electricity North West Systems Manager, Chris Fox, said: “We’re working with the Fire Service, Police, Environment Agency, Council and the military and we are doing everything we possibly can to prevent the substation site from flooding.

“Our engineers have been out all night and day doing all they can to repair storm damage and prevent any further disruption. We will continue to do everything we can to work to keep power supplies to customers.”

Electricity North West invested £7.9m in flood defences at major sites over the past few years, including Lancaster substation, to protect them against 'once-in-100 years' floods.

If you see power lines down please stay away and report it to Electricity North West immediately on 0800 195 4141.

Vulnerable customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141.
To report a power cut please call 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk. To get the latest flood advice and information in your area please visit the Environment Agency.

For more information about flood alerts click here and to keep up-to-date with the weather in your area visit the Met Office.

What to do if you have a power cut:

• Use a battery operated or wind-up torch
• Have warm clothes and blankets available
• Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off
• Join our Priority Service Register if you need extra support www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk/priority
• Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting
• If you need any advice ring us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW

During a flood:

• If water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply, but only if safe to do so
• Do not touch any electrical equipment or cables whilst you are standing in flood water
• Do not touch any electrical equipment or cables that have been immersed in flood water