Today I have been out and about in affected areas with teams from Northern Powergrid, along with my colleague Greg Hands, the Energy Minister. A huge thank you to all the emergency teams working so hard to restore power as quickly as possible, over an enormous area dealing with unprecedented levels of damage.
Today's update:
Numbers
There are now approximately 8,000 households still without power across Northumberland. There are just shy of 2,000 specialist engineers on the ground, drafted in from across the UK to assist. This includes in the air, surveying the damage.
Vulnerable people
Northern Powergrid and Northumberland County Council are very responsive in ensuring those who are vulnerable are able to access help, supplies, be put up in temporary accommodation etc. If you are not sure who to contact, you can refer cases via me ([email protected] or 01665 517512).
If you are worried about folk you cannot reach, please again let me know, I can get people out door knocking or running welfare checks on them.
Northern Powergrid
If you are without power and have not already done so PLEASE contact them by email if you can on [email protected] so they can ensure your outage is logged and keep you updated. If you have difficulties with this, call my team who can help and do it for you.
Compensation
Lots of you are asking about this. Northern Powergrid confirmed to me that they will provide financial assistance to any domestic customer who was still off supply on 29 November or later including the reasonable costs of alternative accommodation and food (up to £15 per person per meal). They will also contribute to other reasonably incurred costs; for example where a customer arranges for their own back-up generator. Northern Powergrid will consider each customer’s circumstances on a case-by-case basis. All of its vulnerable customers will be eligible.
Customers who require assistance should email [email protected] and they will be in contact as quickly as it can to agree how it can help.
This webpage contains more information on your rights in general.
Community Hubs
A number of Community Hubs are currently in operation across the affected areas for people needing support after Storm Arwen. The below list which also describes the offers, is accurate as of 3.30pm on Dec 1
Rothbury – Jubilee Hall – hot food/warmth/phone charging
Wooler – Angel Inn – hot food/warmth/phone charging
Berwick – Leisure Centre - showers
Longhoughton – Community Centre – hot food/showers
Ulgham – Women's Institute – hot food/drink/warmth/phone charging
Amble – Taj Mahal – hot food collection/takeaway