§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what investigations she has made into the fluctuations in power in homes in Gloucestershire following the restored supplies; and if she will make a statement. [79352]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 4 November 2002]: In view of the scale of the disruptions to the electricity network operated by Aquila Network Services (which supplies the Midlands area including Gloucestershire) the company has been seeking to restore supply to all customers before addressing any outstanding voltage problems, such as voltage fluctuations or low volts.
All supplies to Gloucestershire were restored by midnight on 31 October 2002. As of midday on 1 November 2002 only a few isolated customers supplied by Aquila remained off supply. Outstanding voltage problems in Gloucestershire will be resolved soon.
On 29 October 2002, I announced that a study will be commissioned to review how the electricity companies handled the emergency commencing on 27 October 2002. The response of Aquila Network Services, including resolution of follow-up problems such as voltage complaints, will he included in the study.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement about the time taken to restore power to houses in Gloucestershire. [79350]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 4 November 2002]: I have been advised that 130,000 customers in Aquila's network (formerly Midlands Electricity's network) were affected by interruptions caused by the storm. By midday on 30 October 2002 supplies had been restored to 97.3 per cent. of these customers. Supplies to all customers in Gloucestershire were restored by midnight on 31 October 2002. I advised that Aquila recruited 200 linesmen and craftsmen from other electricity companies to assist with restoration of supplies.
On 29 October 2002 I announced that a study will be commissioned to review how the electricity companies handled the emergency commencing on 27 October 2002. The response of Aquila Network Services to the widespread disruption caused by the storm will be included in the study.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the preparations which were made to counter the388W potential problem of cuts in power supply to homes in Gloucestershire, following gale warnings; and if she will make a statement. [79351]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 4 November 2002]: Earlier this year I commissioned a study into the resilience of the electricity transmission and distribution systems in Great Britain. The study focussed on the measures that are in place to reduce the risk of an emergency from major supply interruptions and the ability to manage the restoration of supplies in the event of widespread disruption. One conclusion arising from the report was that the electricity companies are generally better prepared and equipped to handle emergencies than was the case a decade ago.
On 29 October 2002 I announced that another study will be commissioned to review how the electricity companies handled the emergency commencing on 27 October 2002. The preparation for the storm and response of Aquila Network Services, which distributes electricity to homes in Gloucestershire, will be included in the study.