Context
Increased frequency of stormy weather due to climate change has led to more frequent power outages affecting rural communities. The question focuses on the needs of older and vulnerable residents during these disruptions.
Question
With the increased frequency of stormy weather as a result of climate change, the rural communities I know are sadly all too familiar with long periods without power. What are the Government doing to ensure that older and more vulnerable residents get the support that they need during cuts? Will the Minister commit to delivering a strategic plan to improve the resilience of rural power networks?
Answer from The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We review lessons learned after every significant power failure, particularly after storms. There was a significant review after Storm Arwen in 2022, but after every storm we look at whether there are any areas in which we can improve. I regularly meet the Energy Networks Association, which does much of the work with the distribution network operators to ensure that welfare provisions, in particular, are provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. There is much more we can do, but one of the fundamental things is to invest in the future of the grid, which means building grid infrastructure and improving existing infrastructure.
Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to delivering a strategic plan or specific measures for vulnerable residents during power outages.
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