Power cut - whose fault?

Ich_2

Yes we did call up N Power to report the fault and they were completely useless to be honest

OK I understand that the power was off, but check a bill where it will tell you where to ring (the DNO) if the power goes off.

Basically DNOs are effectively "fined" by the regulator for loss of supplies so we are spending plenty on maintenance to keep the lights burning!

You need to check with your neighbour that he has registered with his supplier to be on the priority service register. That gets him special treatment for some events.

That information is not shared with the DNOs who often have their own system, nor will it transfer to a new supplier if you change suppliers.

It sounds like the DNo may have replaced a fuse the first time and with the fuse staying in, then they would have left site rather than digging the road up and disturbing people. As for the elderley chap, as it was a fault which they attended asap, the people on the ground possibly wouldnt have been aware.

Agreed

chanz4

Ich wrote: »

OK I understand that the power was off, but check a bill where it will tell you where to ring (the DNO) if the power goes off.

Basically DNOs are effectively "fined" by the regulator for loss of supplies so we are spending plenty on maintenance to keep the lights burning!



That information is not shared with the DNOs who often have their own system, nor will it transfer to a new supplier if you change suppliers.


Agreed

I disagree, as if you have electric dependant equipment and a supplier has already told the dno it will remain onfile.

Man_Overboard_2

lucystardust wrote: »

at no point didn't anyone come round to tell us what was going on or when the power might return

The fault was fixed after four vans turned up

A few cups of tea might have solved all your problems - the bodies in the vans were probably human beings...

Owain_Moneysaver

lucystardust wrote: »

On this second occasion my elderly disabled neighbour fell over in the dark, I heard him shout for help and managed to get in to the flat. After helping him up, I stayed with him for the rest of the evening as he was scared and alone in the dark (he's diabetic and was worried his about the insulin in the fridge)

An emergency light over the stairs and in the kitchen is always a good idea. You can get torches which recharge from the mains and come on automatically (Note: although it would come on during a power cut, it woudln't come on if the lighting circuit blew leaving the power sockets on)

Fridges will stay cold for hours if not opened, and insulin is usually ok for several days.

Terrylw1

Ich wrote: »

That information is not shared with the DNOs who often have their own system, nor will it transfer to a new supplier if you change suppliers.

It is sent to DNO's by suppliers with the relevant category included so they can understand any special needs of an occupant. This was updated in 2011 and fully tested again as the categories were updated. Since DNO's are now part of the BSC, they are now monitored to ensure compliance.

In the case of a power cut though, a DNO isn't going to able to any more than get out there. If the customer has an emergency need, there will be one obvious point of contact for them.

giraffe69

at no point didn't anyone come round to tell us what was going on

You really can't be serious. It does seem worth a few precautions as suggested above so instead of aimlessly ranting:

a. get neighbour to register as a priority customer
b. invest in emergency lighting/candles for such occasions
c. check on your entitlement to any refund in the case of a powercut