Planned Power Cuts Set to Affect Cumbria Homes Next Week
Several areas across Cumbria are set to be affected by planned power cuts next week.
Electricity North West has listed scheduled outages from Monday, June 1, to Friday, June 5. The works will affect homes and businesses in a number of towns, villages and rural communities.
The planned cuts include areas such as Shap, Brampton, Aspatria, Askam and Ireleth, Kirkby Stephen, Hunsonby, Kendal and Millom Without.
Planned power cuts are arranged in advance so engineers can safely carry out work on the electricity network. They are different from unexpected power cuts caused by faults or bad weather.
Residents are advised to check their own postcode before the day of the planned outage, as not every property in each area will be affected.
Where and When Power Cuts Are Planned
The scheduled outages are due to take place across the week.
Monday, June 1
On Monday, planned power cuts are listed for Shap, Brampton and Aspatria.
- Shap – 37 properties affected
- Postcodes include CA10 3PQ, CA10 3NW, CA10 3PH and CA10 3PB
- Brampton – 17 properties affected
- Postcodes include CA8 1EW, CA8 1EN, CA8 1BE and CA8 2EY
- Aspatria – 13 properties affected
- Postcodes include CA7 3PS, CA7 3PT, CA7 3PU and CA7 3PX
Tuesday, June 2
On Tuesday, outages are planned in Allonby, Askam and Ireleth, Lower Allithwaite, Bewcastle and Orton.
- Allonby – 3 properties affected
- Postcode listed as CA15 6RB
- Askam and Ireleth – 160 properties affected
- Postcodes include LA18 4PL and LA18 4QR
- Lower Allithwaite – 16 properties affected
- Bewcastle – 37 properties affected
- Orton – 26 properties affected
Wednesday, June 3
On Wednesday, planned power cuts are listed for Seascale, Cathedral and Castle, and Kirkby Stephen.
- Seascale – 10 properties affected
- Postcode listed as CA20 1EX
- Cathedral and Castle – 3 properties affected
- Postcode listed as CA1 3QJ
- Kirkby Stephen – 46 properties affected
- Several postcodes are included in the planned outage
Thursday, June 4
On Thursday, planned outages are due to affect Crosthwaite and Lyth, Sebergham, Lindal and Marton, and Hunsonby.
- Crosthwaite and Lyth – 43 properties affected
- Sebergham – 6 properties affected
- Lindal and Marton – 9 properties affected
- Hunsonby – 338 properties affected
Hunsonby is expected to see the largest listed outage of the week, with hundreds of properties due to be affected.
Friday, June 5
On Friday, scheduled works are listed for Kendal, Seascale, Lakes and Millom Without.
- Kendal – 9 properties affected
- Seascale – 4 properties affected
- Lakes – 9 properties affected
- Millom Without – 32 properties affected
Why Planned Power Cuts Happen
Planned power cuts allow engineers to work safely on the electricity network.
The work may involve repairs, maintenance or upgrades to cables, poles, substations or other equipment.
Although the outages can be inconvenient, they are arranged in advance so households and businesses have time to prepare.
Electricity North West usually gives notice before a planned power cut. This may be through a letter, card, text message or email, depending on the customer’s contact details.
How Residents Can Prepare
People in affected areas should plan ahead before the power is switched off.
Residents may want to:
- charge mobile phones, laptops and power banks
- keep fridges and freezers closed during the outage
- make sure torches are easy to find
- avoid relying on mains-powered internet
- plan ahead if working from home
- check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
- contact Electricity North West if they rely on medical equipment
Anyone who uses electric medical equipment, stairlifts or other essential support should seek advice before the planned cut.
Extra Support During Power Cuts
Electricity North West runs an Extra Care register for people who may need more support during a power cut.
This can include older people, disabled residents, people with medical needs, families with young children and others who may be more affected by losing power.
People on the register may receive extra updates, advice or support during planned and unplanned outages.
Check Your Postcode Before the Day
Planned works can sometimes change, be delayed or cancelled.
Residents should check their own postcode using Electricity North West’s power cut checker before the scheduled date.
Anyone who loses power unexpectedly can call 105 for free. This connects callers to their local electricity network operator.
The planned outages are expected to affect several parts of Cumbria between June 1 and June 5, so residents should check the details for their area and prepare where needed.