Working to keep energy secure and safe during local lockdowns in Wales

The utility firms responsible for the energy networks in South Wales affected by the new coronavirus lockdowns have joined forces to reassure the local communities that they are continuing to work to keep energy flowing throughout the new restrictions.

Together with Wales & West Utilities (WWU), we will be working round the clock to make sure you have a safe and reliable gas and electricity supply, while also responding to gas and electricity emergencies whenever needed.

Energy network companies have been working with each other, the UK and Welsh Governments, regulator Ofgem and their trade unions to make sure they can keep colleagues and customers safe at all times.

Engineers from both WPD and WWU will be taking similar coronavirus precautions including:

• Washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser before entering customers’ homes
• While in customer’s homes, they’ll wear face coverings and eye protection, and may ask anyone else in the house to stand in another room while they work
• While working in the street, they will either be working in a bubble or they will social distance as far as possible, and would urge local people who may be passing to keep 2m away from work sites

Graham Halladay, WPD Operations Director, said: “All energy providers are united in our determination to ensure that we continue to provide a safe and reliable service for our customers.

“We would like to thank all of you for your support, patience and understanding as we work to keep the lights on and your homes heated. We are essential service providers and we would like to assure you that our control and call centres are fully operational 24 hours a day.

“We have established Covid-19 measures in offices, depots and field work to ensure our staff and customers are safe. As usual, if you experience a power cut or see something that is unsafe we would ask you to ring 105 or contact us via our website.”

Rob Long, WWU Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Our engineers will continue to work round the clock, keeping the gas flowing safely so you’re safe and warm at home.

“We really appreciate the support of local people at this challenging time, and we would like to remind you that if you do smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call 0800 111 999 straight away. Before visiting, you’ll be asked if you, or anyone in your household, is experiencing coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. A gas engineer will still come and help: but teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.

“And when we are working in the road, or in local homes and businesses, our engineers will all be following clear guidelines to keep themselves and our customers safe.”

Both companies are also urging people who are over 60, live with a child under five, live with a chronic health condition or who would be vulnerable to the effects of a power cut to consider joining the Priority Service Register (PSR).

Joining the PSR is free and enables energy companies to provide extra support when needed. All energy companies have a PSR, which you can find on their websites, and if you allow them to share your data you only need sign up once.