Northern Powergrid is boosting the resilience of its network in the Upper Calder Valley following the unprecedented flooding on Boxing Day 2015.
In the immediate aftermath of Storm Eva many properties across the Calder Valley experienced a loss of power.
Northern Powergrid, which is responsible for the power network that delivers electricity to homes and businesses across the region, has carried out a full review of its network of sub-stations from Sowerby Bridge to Walsden.
A number of schemes to improve the flood resilience of the power network were identified and include:
- moving equipment to new sites which are less vulnerable to flooding;
- consolidating the sub-stations into fewer better defended locations and
- improving the defences at existing sites.
One sub-station will be moved in the next few months and potential alternative locations have been identified for a further six. Calderdale Council and Northern Powergrid are working closely together to secure their relocation.
Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift said:
The flooding we experienced on Boxing Day was unprecedented but it is clear that these incidents are happening with much greater frequency.
It’s vital that we now plan on a much larger scale so that we minimise the impact of any future flooding and strengthen the resilience of our communities. In Calderdale this has included making sure that essential infrastructure, such as the electrical sub-stations, are sited away from potential flood spots.
We’ve been working with Northern Powergrid to identify appropriate sites which will allow them to move the existing sub-stations to Council owned land, and maintain continuity of electricity supply.
Electrical services within the home can also be made more resilient by moving them above the level of any potential flooding and grants from the Council are still available to cover the cost of this work.
Rod Gardner, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Network Operations, said:
Working in partnership with Calderdale Council, we’ve been able to explore options so we can improve our network and its resilience to extreme flooding events like the one on Boxing Day.
In addition to the investments we will be making, we would urge those people who haven’t approached Calderdale Council yet for a grant to remove and relocate their electricity services higher in their property to take action. Once these grants are resolved then they can approach our Connections business to get the work completed.
Grants for homes and businesses are still available, however funding from the government is limited, so people who want to apply should register their interest as soon as possible.
It’s easy to find out if you’re eligible and to apply. For an application form just visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/flooding and search for ‘flood funding’ or call 01422 392199 for residential and 01422 392222 for businesses.