Utilities launch winter readiness campaign

29 November 2016 10:31

Northern Ireland’s main utility companies have joined forces to launch a joint winter readiness campaign to assist the public in their preparations for winter.

BT, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, NI Water and Phoenix Natural Gas have been working together regularly over a number of years to identify ways in which the companies could provide mutual support and aid during periods of severe weather or other unforeseen situations.

The companies have also issued a ‘cut out and keep’ list of useful contact details should utility services be disrupted due to severe weather. This will be available in newspapers, online and on social media.  

Mairead Meyer, Chair of the Joint Utilities Working Group said:

“I very much welcome the opportunity to work with my colleagues in other utilities as we prepare for the winter months.  The combined breadth of expertise between our companies enables us to share knowledge and resources to further improve the vital services we deliver to the whole community, often in very severe weather conditions.

“Although all of our companies require specialist skills to repair our networks, there are a number of areas we can share resources such as people, equipment, transportation vehicles and access to buildings.”

Experts believe that extreme weather across the UK and Ireland is becoming more commonplace and co-operation by utility companies and other agencies will greatly benefit any response to an emergency situation.  

Ends

Joining forces L-R -  Michael McKinstry (Chief Executive, Phoenix), Ronan Larkin (Director, NI Water), Nicholas Tarrant (Managing Director, NIE Networks) and Mairead Meyer (Managing Director, BT).

• ‘Cut out and keep’ list of useful contact details