Award-winning TV presenter and broadcaster Jennifer Reoch has joined forces with us once again to spotlight our storm heroes, dedicated teams who work tirelessly each winter to keep the power flowing.
This year, Jennifer visited a live work site in Dumfries and Galloway to meet the specialist Live Line Hands On team, highly trained linesmen who carry out essential maintenance and repairs on overhead power lines without switching off the electricity supply.
Working at height and often in the aftermath of severe storms, the team use specialist access equipment along with insulated gloves & sleeves which enable them to carry out works while homes and businesses remain connected during the harshest winter conditions.
Winter storms and extreme weather can cause significant damage to power lines, making it essential for our teams to be ready to respond quickly to keep disruption to a minimum. The Live Line Hands On team play a vital role in that effort, repairing faults while the network stays live, helping to reduce power outages and disruptions for local communities.
This marks the second year Jennifer has partnered with us to celebrate our Storm Shielders. During her visit, Jennifer experienced first-hand how we support communities in preparing for extreme weather and saw the skill and resilience required to keep the power flowing and the lights on.
Jennifer said: “Winter weather can be demanding and unpredictable, and it’s easy to overlook the work happening behind the scenes to keep our electricity supply running 24/7. Spending the day with the Live Line Hands On team gave me a rare insight into the specialist work the team carry out in tough winter conditions to keep the power flowing.
“What struck me most is the Storm Shielders’ commitment to the communities they serve, going above and beyond to keep people safe and supported when the weather is at its worst.”
Jennifer is fronting a new series of videos with us, taking viewers behind the scenes to celebrate these unsung heroes. The series will shine a spotlight on the people, technology, and teamwork that keeps electricity running through the most challenging winter weather.
Stuart McConnachie, District General Manager at SP Energy Networks, added: “Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and the Live Line Hands On team are dedicated to ensuring repairs to power lines are made without any disruption. We were delighted to have Jennifer join us for a day on site to meet our Storm Shielders and see the important work they do, much of which many people may not realise is happening behind the scenes.
“Spotlighting the tireless work our teams do is important because it shows the commitment that goes into keeping communities connected. We encourage customers to follow our advice to make sure they’re ready for whatever winter brings, and to know what to do if the power does go out.”
Top advice for staying safe in the unlikely event of a power cut includes:
- Ensure you store a battery-powered or wind-up torch in an easily accessible location so you can use it to check the fuse box and navigate around your home safely.
- Power lines may fall because of stormy weather so beware of this when venturing out of your home. Always treat them as live, stay away and report them right away by calling 105.
- Having your mobile phone charged means you can give SP Energy Networks a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. Please don’t assume we know if your power is out, so call us right away.
- If your power does go out, your heating might not work, so keep extra blankets nearby and close window shutters, blinds or curtains to help keep the heat in.
- Teams work around the clock to restore electricity as quickly as possible but customers who feel they need extra support may be eligible for the Priority Services Register. Visit the SP Energy Networks website or call 0330 10 10 167 for more information.
- Make sure we have up-to-date contact details for you, so we can keep in touch with you as appropriate.