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NETWORK / 14 / NOVEMBER 2017 T his November the UK's gas and electricity distribution networks are teaming up to encourage their customers to 'Be Winter Ready' and take a few simple steps to ensure they stay safe and warm no matter what the British winter might throw at us. Network companies work year round and invest to ensure that the infrastructure which delivers power and gas to our homes and businesses is resilient and reliable. It is an area where there has been signi• cant improvement in recent years with investment delivering a 50 per cent reduction in power cuts over the last 15 years. On average customers on the gas networks will experience an unplanned interruption in their supply just once in their lifetime; a reliabil- ity level of over 99.9 per cent. These improvements in performance are shown in customer satisfaction ratings for network companies, measured by Ofgem, of over 85 per cent. Whilst our networks are amongst the most reliable in the world, winter is fast approaching and with it comes more frequent severe weather and the potential for storms which can damage infrastructure and cause a loss of gas or electricity supply for customers. As the nights get longer and the temperatures drop it is also the time of year when customers most rely on their energy to keep the lights on and their homes warm. The reliability of our energy networks is good news for customers, but it does mean that some people don't feel the need to prepare for winter or • nd out who to contact if they have a problem with their energy supply. This was demonstrated when ENA and its members launched the free 105 number for power cuts in 2016 and found that 72 per cent of customers didn't know who to contact if the lights went out. Forty three per cent wrongly reported that they would call the elec- tricity supplier they pay their bill to, when it is in fact their local electricity network operator that they should contact. So far this year we've already seen Storm Ophelia cause widespread damage, particularly in the Repub- lic of Ireland where the network operator ESB was joined by network companies from across GB, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man to restore power to 360,000 homes. Ophelia and Storm Brian are a reminder that, despite the resilience of our infrastructure and the ability of companies to respond quickly and e– ectively to repair damage to the networks, customers still need to take simple steps to prepare their homes for winter. On the rare occasion supplies are interrupted, our energy networks have engineers working around the clock to • x problems as safely and as quickly as possible, keeping customers regularly updated on the progress. It has never been easier to contact your gas or electricity grid companies any time of the day or night for information and advice. And as part of a national "Be Winter Ready" day we are encouraging customers to take simple steps to ensure that they are prepared for the winter months - and these three easy ways do just that: 1. Know your numbers – and save them into your phone. In the event of a power cut dial 105 and if you experience a gas emergency dial 0800 111 999. 2. Prepare your home – keep a torch handy, get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and, if you're eligible, sign up to the Priority Service Register (PSR). 3. Keep your eyes open – watch the weather forecast and if there's a power cut or a problem with your gas supply, check on any elderly neighbours. We will be working at the local and national level to help raise awareness of these important messages, because we want everyone to know there are things they can do to prepare them- selves and their homes for winter. These preparations are particularly important for people who may • nd themselves in a vulnerable situation this winter, for example people who are elderly or who may be su– ering from ill health. As well as checking on neighbours and relatives, it is important to remind people that some customers will be eligible for extra information and support from their gas and electricity network companies, and that they should join the Prior- ity Services Register to make sure they get the help they need when necessary. Knowing your numbers, preparing your homes and keeping your eyes open will make sure we are all safe and warm no matter what the weather throws at us. "On the rare occasion supplies are interrupted, our energy networks have engineers working around the clock to fi x problems as safely and as quickly as possible." P R E PA R I N G FO R W I N T E R DAVID SMITH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ENERGY NET WORKS ASSOCIATION