The company responsible for operating the electricity network in Cumbria has urged residents to prepare for winter.

Electricity North West is reminding Cumbria’s households that the severe winter weather brings with it an increased risk of unplanned power cuts.

Engineers are currently carrying out a winter protection programme, which includes reinforcing vulnerable points on the network and the management of trees that pose a potential risk to power lines.

Martin Deehan, north operations director covering Cumbria and Lancashire at Electricity North West, said: “Each year, we invest heavily in our network to ensure it is robust and less susceptible to power cuts.

“However, the winter months typically bring severe weather conditions and this is why we deploy a winter ready programme.”

“As the region’s power network operator, we are committed to providing the power to keep people’s lives running day in, day out. We work 24/7 every day of the year investing in the network, monitoring its performance and responding round the clock if power cuts do happen.”

Electricity North West offers a free Priority Services Register (PSR) for those who need extra help during a power cut. To find out more and register, visit www.enwl.co.uk/priority.

For advice on how to be prepared and stay safe please visit www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/dealing-with-power-cuts or to report a power cut, please call 105.