News story

22nd January 2001

ACTION PROMISED OVER POWER CUTS

GPU Power have promised a programme of maintenance works designed to improve the reliability of power supplies in the Thornbury area, following further pressure from Northavon MP, Steve Webb.    The MP initially contacted the company before Christmas following a number of complaints from local residents about repeated disruptions to supply.   He then wrote again to the company after Christmas following further problems and asked specifically when the promised work to the Alveston Primary Substation would take place, given that this had been identified as the source of a number of the problems.   The reply from GPU (attached) indicates that the work will be done in mid-February over a six week period.     The reply also explained that the problems encountered in mid-December were due to severe weather conditions and affected over 100,000 customers.

 

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

 

“The reliability of electricity supplies in the Thornbury area continues to give serious cause for concern.   I am pleased to hear that the promised repair works at Alveston will be going ahead shortly, although it remains to be seen whether this alone will resolve the problems.  I am determined to keep up the pressure on GPU Power to ensure that they take steps to improve what has to date been a truly abysmal standard of service”.

 

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