Energy firm will ensure Falkirk homes and businesses have power throughout coronavirus crisis

SP Energy Networks’ proposals introduce special measures to protect supply for critical national infrastructure and public service sites – including hospitals, nursing homes, food supply chain businesses, Ministry of Defence sites and prisons.

According to Scottish Power, the UK has one of the most reliable electricity networks in the world and contingency plans developed by SP Energy Networks alongside other network operators, the government and electricity regulator Ofgem, will ensure power continues to flow throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Scottish Power has faced criticism from villagers in rural areas of Falkirk due to energy bills which are reportedly as high as £150 per week.

Falkirk’s Forgotten Villages – Ending Fuel Poverty campaign, started by Claire Mackie and Fiona Gordon, has been trying to get the firm to acknowledge the extraordinarily high bills and do something about them since November last year.

SP Energy Networks CEO Frank Mitchell said: “We have one of the most reliable energy networks in the world and our top priority throughout the COVID-19 crisis will be to keep the power flowing for our customers in Falkirk while ensuring critical national infrastructure sites receive the electricity supply they need.

“We’ve already put huge changes in place to keep our staff safe and redeployed them on priority projects that will support the UK’s national effort to tackle the coronavirus. If you see us outside your home or we visit your property during the coronavirus emergency, please be assured we are there because it is critical.

“It’s absolutely essential our network holds up against storms and high winds so our teams are working to maintain and strengthen the resilience of the network we all rely on to take us through this storm season and beyond.

“We know that now, more than ever you are relying on us to keep you safe and warm by ensuring the power continues to flow and we are committed to doing just that.”

SP Energy Networks is also beginning a rapid installation of new connections that will support the containment of COVID-19, including connections for hospitals, care/nursing homes, water treatment works and food supply chain business.

The company has been forced to postpone and, in some cases cancel, new network upgrade projects that involve planned interruption of power for customers.As a critical operational business, SP Energy Networks has already established social distancing measures and rolled out additional processes for critical frontline operational staff and control centre teams who cannot undertake their key roles from home to ensure they can maintain operations in the event of a localised outbreak of coronavirus.

Customers who have received a letter from the NHS advising themt they are “at risk” and should take additional measures to protect themselves from COVID-19 are being advised to sign up for the Priority Services Register.

This provides free additional services to customers in vulnerable circumstances if there is an unexpected power cut.

They should sign up at spenergynetworks.co.uk or text PSR to 61999.

In the event of a power cut, customers should call the national 105 hotline no matter who they pay their bill to.

Visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk for more information.