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‘Don’t be left in the dark’, DNO urges customers

Significant investment in electricity networks means customers don’t know, or have forgotten, who to turn to in the event of a power cut, Northern Powergrid has revealed.

The distribution network operator said that while this investment means power cuts are no longer a regular occurrence, it also means many don’t know, or have “simply forgotten” who to contact in the event of a power cut.

Power cut research also shows that only two in ten people know who to contact in the event of a power loss, the majority wrongly believing it is the responsibility of the energy supplier.

To combat this Northern Powergrid has launched a four-month radio and social media campaign over the winter period to raise awareness of its role.

The “Don’t be left in the dark” campaign will highlight how to report a power cut, seek advice and be prepared this winter.

Northern Powergrid’s head of stakeholder and customer engagement Siobhan Barton said: “We want customers to know that we are the people that will get their power back on and are there for them day or night, whatever the weather.

“With our online power cut reporting service and 24-7 customer service on Facebook and Twitter, you can get information on your mobile, as well as through our local contact centre.”

Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution is also using radio this winter to alert customers to imminent storms by ramping up an ongoing awareness campaign 48 hours in advance.