Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has paid tribute to those people who worked to restore power to homes and businesses which were affected by the winter storms in 2013/14. She joined the Rt Hon Mike Penning, Minister of State with responsibility for Health and Safety, at a reception in Parliament to recognise the efforts of electricity network engineers who worked tirelessly in hazardous conditions to ensure 95% of those who lost power had it restored within 24 hours.

Also attending the reception were David Gordon, James Downs and Jim Barratt from UK Power Networks, who operate the electricity network in Castle Point.

Rebecca welcomed the opportunity to thank them for the vital service they provide to everyone in the constituency, 24 hours a day, 356 days a week.

Commenting Rebecca said, “I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the front line staff from UK Power Networks and thank them for their efforts during the storms on behalf of my constituents. These are the guys who work in extremely difficult and potentially dangerous conditions to help keep our lights on as they had to during severe weather last winter. Politicians and the media can be quick to criticise if power cables are down and it takes time to repair. It’s important we actually recognize the dedicated teams who actually go out year round in all-weather to keep the power running in Castle Point and elsewhere, and acknowledge the lengths that they are often required to go to.”

Speaking on behalf of the networks, Energy Networks Association Chief Executive David Smith said:

“The severe weather over winter saw some of the most substantial damage to the networks in decades and the men and women working to restore supplies faced extremely challenging conditions. We often don’t hear about the efforts of these unsung heroes who, when the rest of us are told to stay home, are out getting their communities reconnected. I am delighted that Rebecca took the time to thank staff from UK Power Networks who serve the constituency of Castle Point.”