Coronavirus update

A message to our customers, from Graham Halladay, Distribution Operations Director

We know that sadly the Coronavirus will be with us for some time, which means we will all need to continue to live our lives differently. I would like to thank all of National Grid's customers for their help in enabling us to keep our staff safe as they work to keep the electricity flowing at this critical time.

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement about beginning to ease some restrictions means we will now begin to adapt and update our approach. We have been working closely with representatives from our trade unions to ensure we continue to meet our top priority of keeping our staff and customers safe as we do so.

We will now be taking a careful and phased approach to expanding the services we provide, always following the latest Government guidelines. However, I can tell you that working life within National Grid looks very different now to the way it looked at the beginning of March – and it will continue to do so.

Works we’re carrying out

Since the lockdown began on 23rd March 2020 we have limited our activities to essential works only. This has involved responding to power cuts and carrying out limited planned works where there is a safety or reliability concern.

In England, the Government has encouraged the construction industry to re-open, for example. As a result we anticipate there will be a gradual increase in enquiries from developers, local authorities and individual customers. In response we will initially restart customer-driven works, followed by a phased resumption of our capital programme.

This will involve works on sites – and where it does we will expect those sites to follow the Government guidance in relation to distancing protocols, hygiene measures and other additional protective requirements. We will also be asking customers to help us follow these steps: for example, discussing how we can access equipment and work areas whilst ensuring our collective wellbeing and safety through social distancing.

For the time being our staff who can work from home will continue to do so. We will also continue to follow Government advice and work with the wider industry, our regulator Ofgem, and our trade unions to ensure we are providing the best response to this pandemic at all times.

Here for you when you need us

Although I do not expect ‘normal’ working conditions to resume for some time I would like to reassure you that we are still here 24/7 should you need us. Our Contact Centres and Control Rooms are still operating fully so we can answer your emergency calls and restore electricity supplies as quickly and safely as possible. You can get in touch with us via our website, power cut reporter app or by ringing 105.

Once again, I would like to say thank you for your ongoing support, patience and understanding as we work hard to keep the lights on for the communities we serve, while keeping you and our staff safe.

Further information 

Guidance for customers ahead of NGED visit

We want to keep you and our staff safe at all times so we've created some guidance to keep all parties safe on the day of our work. View guidance document.    

Before entering NGED site 

We have created key information for contractors and visitors to follow ahead of visiting our sites in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. View information document.