UK Power Networks collaborates with 999 heroes

Emergency services teams from across London, the East and South East joined UK Power Networks’ first ever safety partnership event for emergency responders.

The Emergency Services Awareness Day aimed to strengthen coordination between Britain’s biggest electricity network operator and 999 responders, with a focus on network resilience and public safety, while supporting the crucial role of emergency responders.

The event was held at the company’s training centre in Sundridge, Kent, where hundreds of electricity workers learn and refresh technical skills on substations, overhead lines and underground cables in controlled environments.

UK Power Networks’ teams work with emergency responders during incidents such as floods, storms, fires, road accidents and public safety incidents. They make sure the electricity network is de-energised so emergency services work can proceed in safety.

During the event, visitors used the latest technology to take a virtual tour of a substation in the South East and UK Power Networks shared plans to pilot QR codes enabling first responders to easily access site safety documents. Responders were reminded to treat electrical equipment as live and keep well clear until UK Power Networks confirms it is safe, such as after storms or collisions that might damage infrastructure. Apprentices demonstrated network procedures, including de-energising overhead power lines, connecting underground cables and working in substations.

Leon Ford, head of training and assurance at UK Power Networks, said:

“We were delighted to welcome police, fire and ambulance crews to our first Emergency Services Awareness Day to increase coordination with these important partners. We have Memorandums of Understanding with many emergency response organisations across the communities we serve. These enable us to collaborate with emergency responders to ensure safe working areas. Safety is our top priority, and we want to maintain these relationships, share information and continue improving safety for both emergency responders and the public.”

Jim Smart, crew manager for Technical Rescue at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the electricity industry to share information and experiences. When we call in UK Power Networks, we know we will be met with someone who will provide the expert advice we need for the broad range of rescues we attend. UK Power Networks makes every effort to get the right person with the right skills where they’re needed as quickly as possible.”

Rob Cox, general manager for 999 operations for London Ambulance Service said:

“This is the first time I have been to a partnership event like this. It is not often that we get to see what ‘Category 2’ non-blue light responders can offer us. It has been a real eye-opener on what joint working and operations can achieve in an emergency situation.”

Martin Pemble, search adviser at Kent Police, said:

“We already have a good working relationship with UK Power Networks and that’s what we want to foster. It’s better to exchange details off the playing field than on the battlefield. We learnt more about what UK Power Networks does and how we can call on them for support. This has been incredibly useful and massively beneficial.”

Emergency responders joined from Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Met Police, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

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