Northern Powergrid reconnects 25,700 customers

Distribution network operator Northern Powergrid has restored power to 25,700 customers after gale force winds cut power across parts of the North East and Yorkshire early this morning.

Engineers have restored power by carrying out repairs and diverting electricity through alternative routes on the network wherever possible.

Northern Powergrid said work continues to reconnect the 4,970 customers who are still without power.

The gusts of up to 70 miles per hour have had most impact on the Tyne and Wear, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire areas.

Northern Powergrid’s head of network operations, Rod Gardner said: “We’ve invested in maintaining and upgrading our network but weather like the gale force winds seen today can cause damage to our power network as result of by fallen trees and windborne debris coming into contact with our network.

“The strong winds are continuing to affect parts of our region but we’d like to reassure our customers that our engineers are working hard, in these challenging weather conditions, to get their power back on for our customers as soon as possible.”