The energy company’s networks division is putting up 150 roadside billboards and adverts in 1,000 buses as part of a drive to raise awareness.
Just 40 per cent of SP Energy Networks customers would contact them if they have a fault, while 38 per cent would – incorrectly – call their supplier. Another 9 per cent would do nothing and wait for the problem to sort itself out.
Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SP Energy Networks, said: “Although our electricity network operates at a very high standard, power cuts can occur at any time for a variety of reasons, many outside the network operator’s control. This can include severe weather interruptions, to theft of substation metals and vandalism. Given the storms that we’ve seen in December, we would like to help more of our customers have the information they need to be prepared for any loss of power.”
Following storms that caused widespread power cuts over the Christmas period, government mooted setting up a single emergency helpline to call in the event of a power cut. Energy secretary Ed Davey said communications “must be at the heart” of a review into network companies’ response to the storm.