Utilities warning over live cables

UK Power Networks, a major energy distributor, has issued a safety warning to construction workers following the discovery of live electric cables in hazardous conditions on multiple sites. The company has observed a rise in the occurrence of such cables being left in potentially dangerous situations. In a recent case, live cabling was found abandoned in a wheelie bin, posing a lethal threat.

Additionally, live electric cables have been discovered hanging from fences or affixed to wooden structures. UK Power Networks reported a threefold increase in incidents of interference with the electricity network last year. Between April 2022 and March 2023, there were over 1,000 instances of interference across London, the East, and the South East of England, which are the regions covered by the company.

UK Power Networks emphasized that its power workers frequently encounter unsafe sites. Consequently, the supplier is cautioning builders, demolition workers, and homeowners to exercise caution and contact their network distributor to relocate cables, facilitating a site survey.

Speaking in Construction Management, Chris Slattery, an electricity surveyor at UK Power Networks, expressed concern over the prevalence of electricity supplies left hanging or lying unsecured. Slattery stated that many jobs are deemed dangerous or unsafe due to customers attempting to move power cables without proper knowledge. Some customers are unaware that live cables should not be tampered with, while others seek inexpensive alternatives from unauthorized individuals.

Ros Forbes, an education and engagement adviser at UK Power Networks, highlighted the importance of raising awareness among tradespeople in the construction industry. Forbes emphasized that builders, in their eagerness to expedite work, are exposing themselves and others to significant risks, which can be avoided altogether.

To access information about the location of electricity cables prior to commencing work, individuals can obtain cable plans from the UK Power Networks website or LineSearchBeforeUDig. Any emergency incidents involving electricity cables or damaged cabling should be promptly reported by dialing 105.