16 May 2005 00:00 Central Networks’ innovative CableSafe scheme reduces East Midland power cuts caused by cable damage by nearly 50%

Power cuts caused by major utilities damaging Central Networks electricity network have been slashed by nearly half* thanks to the company’s successful CableSafe scheme.

The safety scheme, run by the region’s electricity distribution company, has potentially prevented thousands of customers from losing power and hundreds of contractors from being seriously hurt.

Every year thousands of cables are accidentally damaged when utilities and local authority contractors dig without finding out where underground electricity cables are located, leading to serious injury and power cuts.

Central Networks tackled the problem head on by establishing regular meetings with all the major utilities and local authorities to educate them about safe working practices.

CableSafe manager Graham Coles said: “We’re delighted with the results. We’ve worked hard to establish partnerships with all the major utilities and local authorities and that’s really paid off.

“Our latest figures are even better than we thought they were going to be”

Central Networks has also developed a successful and popular training programme in cable location and utility avoidance, available to anyone who may come into contact with our network through their work.

“Our training, free advice and guidance ensures that contractors get the information they need to do their job safely and that means we can avoid causing disruption to our customers and causing serious harm to themselves,” said Graham.

Determined to build on its successful record, the company is now busy establishing links with property developers and builders.

“Developers and builders are clearly an important group for us to target and, in the next 12 months, we’re establishing a special forum and training programme especially for that group,” said Graham.

“And it’s not just big businesses which can use CableSafe, local builders and anyone planning to dig below ground who could potentially come into contact with our cables should get our help and advice before starting work.”

Underground cables carrying high voltage electricity could be located anywhere underground and contractors in the East Midlands which could end up digging near a cable should call 0800 0150 927 for free advice. If you do damage a cable, call 0800 0150921 immediately.

For further information on the training courses please call 0800 0150927 or log onto www.central-networks.co.uk

Ends

Notes to editors:
* = Actual damages reduced by 44% for quarter 1 against 2004 figures.
• 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 and pictures contact:
Kathy Doyle on 024 7642 4292,
Or Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer