LESSONS must be learned from the events of Storm Eowyn, say two of the region’s politicians.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth this week criticised power firms for failing to learn from similar weather events in the past.
He said he has been contacted by many constituents about difficulties getting information, or receiving mixed messages, on power cuts caused by Storm Éowyn.
Thousands of people across the region lost their electricity connection during the gales, with hundreds still not reconnected by midweek.
Many were unable to get through to power companies to report issues and reconnection dates were moved several times.
While admitting Storm Eowyn was extremely rare, the MSP wants energy firms to again review their emergency procedures.
He said: “I fully appreciate how incredibly difficult a job power companies have faced, both during the storm and in the aftermath in keeping people connected to the grid. I want to pay tribute to all their staff, who have been working round the clock to get people connected, in some cases physically in difficult conditions.
“However, I have heard from a number of very frustrated constituents about the problems they faced both trying to report a power cut and also about getting information relating to when their power would be restored.
“Many calls were simply being cut off before hearing anything and they were then forced to contact friends and relatives who still had internet access to find out what was going on.
“It’s not acceptable, especially when some have been without power for days on end and they were still in the dark, both literally and figuratively.”
He added: “I’m angry that promises to learn lessons from Storm Arwen haven’t been delivered. It is time for a review of emergency procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“We all accept that power cuts will happen in extreme weather, especially in a rural area, but it is imperative people are kept informed with accurate information.”
Meanwhile, Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has called for more to be done to identify the most vulnerable during any future lengthy power outages.
He believes some at-risk households may be slipping through the net under current ‘priority list’ arrangements.
And Mr Mundell is also seeking a wider review into Scottish Power Energy Networks’ response to the exceptional storm.
He said: “It is important that lessons are learned. This should include improving the identification of vulnerable households and more customer-friendly contact arrangements.
“There appears to have been a particular problem where digital phone services have been introduced which are dependent on an internet connection. The copper wire system, currently being phased out, was previously a potential alternative for some. This is a serious issue in emergency situations where there is no means of charging mobile phones or in rural areas like ours which still have localities without an adequate signal.”
Earlier this week, the MP told the House of Commons how his constituency was significantly impacted, as well as thanking the emergency services, local authorities and SP Energy Networks staff for their efforts.
Scottish Power said their staff have been working round the clock to fix the storm issues.
A spokesperson said: “Thank you to our customers for your patience and understanding while we work through these exceptional circumstances.”
