With further heavy snow and ice expected across much of its distribution area in England and Wales, electricity distributor SP Energy Networks has issued urgent advice to help customers to stay safe, informed and connected in the event of a power outage.

The ‘Beast from the East’ is already causing widespread disruption across the UK and there are several weather warnings currently in place.

The Met Office is now advising that a separate spell of heavy snow is expected to move north across Southwest England and through Wales some places could also see significant ice build up overnight into Friday.

The forecaster has upgraded its warning level to amber status for the mid-Wales region and also warned communities might be cut off for several days. It has warned that interruptions to power supplies and other services such as telephone and mobile phone networks, could occur.

SP Energy Networks has a team of field staff on standby, 24/7, to ensure homes and businesses across its distribution areas in North-West England and North and Mid-Wales are re-connected to their electricity supply as soon as a possible in the event of a power cut. The electricity distributor is encouraging people to prepare for the unlikely event of power loss.

Stephen Stewart, director of SP Energy Networks, said: “Although power cuts are rare events for most people, it makes sense to be prepared just in case. If there is a power outage, our team of engineers are on hand to fix faults and get people’s power supply back as soon as possible. Our customer service team also work around the clock to keep residents informed, provide advice and take reports of power loss - the quicker we are alerted to a power cut, the quicker we can respond.”

SP Energy Networks is offering the following advice to ensure residents across North-West England and Wales are prepared in the event of a power cut:

Keep the SP Energy Networks and new national 105 helpline numbers close to hand - it’s best to keep this information handy or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone. The SP Energy Networks helpline is 0800 0015400.

Keep your mobile charged – if your mobile is out of battery or signal, it’s worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply. Remember, the 105 national helpline number and the SP Energy Networks number completely free to call.

Keep a battery powered torch handy – you can use this to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.

Avoid leaving your fridge or freezer open – they will remain cold for a considerable amount of time when power is off. However, it’s best to minimise the amount of times you open the door.

Unplug powered equipment – this includes electrical appliances such as your TV and laptop, as well as heaters, electric fires and cookers which you may forget about when power is restored.

Priority Service Register – if electricity is crucial to your health (for instance, if you use medical equipment at home) ask to be included on our priority service register. This way if your power is off we can make sure you are supported.

For more information on what to do in the event of a power emergency, visit http://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/power_cuts.asp. In the event of a power cut, call 0800 0015400 or the new national 105 helpline to report the problem and receive help as soon possible.