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CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE What are the key elements to a robust resilience plan to cope with a pandemic? Brian Stratton, head of distribution at UK Power Networks talks us through his company's response to coronavirus NETWORK / 18 / APRIL/MAY 2020 Resilience in action for the vast majority of time in an effort to protect the NHS and save lives. Speaking to Network about UKPN's strategy for continuing to serve customers in London, and in its other license areas, Brian Stratton, head of distri - bution at the power network, says the approach hinges on three key priorities: the safety of employees and the public, keeping power flowing and sup- porting customers, especially the vulnerable, of who there are an increasing number due to a variety of consequences of the government's necessary pandemic response. U K Power Net- works is re- sponsible for the provision of power supplies to the UK's worst hit city in the current coronavirus outbreak – London. With a population of almost 9 million people, London represents nearly half of UKPN's customer base. At the time of writing, a total of 3,377 London citizens had lost their lives to Covid-19 and, like the rest of the UK, city residents were facing a newly extended period of lockdown which constrains all but key workers to their homes Like other energy networks, UKPN's response strategy is also one which has been developed rapidly based on a long stand - ing template of principles for this kind of scenario. Stratton explains: "Through our well established Organisational Resilience Leadership Team, we plan, exercise and review for major risks that could impact on achieving the company's busi- ness objectives including for the risk of a pandemic." Based on the above disci- pline in business continuity planning, when the seriousness of the coronavirus threat began to become evident earlier this KEY INSIGHTS: l Learn about UKPN's three phase response plan to the coronavirus pandemic l Understand key steps taken to protect staff l Read about UKPN's rationale for defining "essential work" during lockdown l Learn about the company's approach to establishing consistent, transparent and regular communications with staff whether working from home, in the field or at office locations