06 January 2005 00:00 Central Networks calls for urgent action to prevent power cuts
Central Networks is urgently calling on contractors in the Midlands to use its free CableSafe service after new figures revealed that over 10 per cent of power cuts in the region in 2004 were caused by third party damage.
Thousands of customers across the region were left without power while engineers repaired damages caused by contractors to high voltage underground cables.
Graham Coles, CableSafe Manager, said: “Digging without knowledge of underground cables is unnecessary and dangerous. It could to lead to serious injuries or even death.
“Cable damages are also expensive to repair. In addition, unsafe work practices can lead to instant dismissal, HSE and environmental prosecutions.
“Nearly every case could have been avoided if people had used the CableSafe service.”
Central Networks CableSafe service offers free advice to contractors who might be required to carry out work that could result in them being near underground power cables and overhead lines.
Graham said: “The scheme offers advice and guidance on safe digging practices to a range of local organisations, including builders, utilities, contractors, councils and colleges, in a bid to prevent both injury and annoyance to customers.”
Central Networks’ pioneering CableSafe scheme was established in February 2002 in response to the thousands of power cables being damaged in the region by third party contractors.
The scheme has been an unqualified success, and is estimated to have cut cable damages by around 20% - but the company is determined to reduce that figure even further.
“We strongly advise everyone to contact us at the planning stage, before work has started, for free advice and guidance” said Graham.
Underground cable carrying high voltage electricity could be anywhere and contractors in the Midlands that could end up digging near a cable should call 0800 0150 927 for free advice. If you do damage a cable in the East Midlands please call 0800 0150921 immediately and the West Midlands please call 0800 0152059.
Ends
Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
For further information contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer