08 December 2005 00:00 Central Networks encourages people across the Midlands to click and check for cables before they dig

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has launched a new one click service for anyone thinking of digging near power cables.

Every year hundreds of Central Networks cables are damaged when builders, farmers and people working on their homes and gardens accidentally come into contact with them.

So the company, which is part of E.ON UK, is making it easier for people to get the information they need to stay safe, to avoid hitting its electricity cables and so avoiding possible injury by launching its CableSafe service online.

Central Networks CableSafe manager Graham Coles said: “To support our freephone number, we’ve designed our new online site to ensure people get the right information quickly and easily.

“By filling in a web-based form, people will get specialist advice from a fully trained CableSafe advisor.”

Power cables are robust and safe but someone using a digger or a pneumatic drill can break through to the live high voltage wires inside, which can obviously have serious consequences.

In the last year, workers have been hurt and thousands have been left without their power while the cable is repaired.

Graham said: “That one click onto our new CableSafe web pages could save your life or prevent thousands of our customers being left without power.

“I’d urge anyone starting building or maintenance work this winter to stop, think and get the information they need to stay CableSafe.”

Anyone who is digging near Central Networks power cables can contact
CableSafe by ringing 0800 0150927 or by visiting www.central-networks.co.uk/cablesafe.

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 – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – 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:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779