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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| MPs quiz energy bosses over Christmas power cuts | MPs quiz energy bosses over Christmas power cuts |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Bosses of UK energy distribution firms have stood by their preparations for stormy weather that led to power cuts over the Christmas period. | |
| About 750,000 properties were left without power, many for several days. | |
| The Commons Energy Select Committee is questioning how the companies responded and how they communicated to customers. | |
| UK Power Networks chief Basil Scarsella said "tried and tested" emergency plans were in place but conditions turned out to be more severe than forecast. | |
| "The damage was not caused by weak points in the network," he added. | |
| Mark Mathieson, managing director of Scottish and Southern Energy, praised the efforts of his staff who turned out to work. | |
| He added that affected customers were also understanding of the problems caused by a "unique" weather situation. | |
| 'Unsatisfactory' | 'Unsatisfactory' |
| Bosses from Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy, Electricity North West, Western Power Distribution and the Energy Networks Association are also appearing at the hearing. | |
| The MPs are also expected to quiz the energy chiefs on the compensation paid to customers. | |
| Following the storms, the chairman of the select committee, Tim Yeo, said that the performance of the distribution companies - which own the networks that carry electricity - had generally been "unsatisfactory". | Following the storms, the chairman of the select committee, Tim Yeo, said that the performance of the distribution companies - which own the networks that carry electricity - had generally been "unsatisfactory". |
| "Too many consumers were left without power for too long and without information about when it was going to be restored at a time when people are now really dependent on a continuous supply of electricity," he said. | "Too many consumers were left without power for too long and without information about when it was going to be restored at a time when people are now really dependent on a continuous supply of electricity," he said. |
| "To be left without power overnight sometimes for more than one or two days - that is simply unacceptable." | "To be left without power overnight sometimes for more than one or two days - that is simply unacceptable." |
| That view was echoed by Prime Minister David Cameron, who said power companies needed to work "round the clock" to get people switched on. | That view was echoed by Prime Minister David Cameron, who said power companies needed to work "round the clock" to get people switched on. |
| The power distribution companies have said engineers were working throughout the day and night during the Christmas period to restore electricity to those affected. | The power distribution companies have said engineers were working throughout the day and night during the Christmas period to restore electricity to those affected. |
| However, some have since said they will pay out higher than usual compensation to people who were without power for long periods and on Christmas Day. | However, some have since said they will pay out higher than usual compensation to people who were without power for long periods and on Christmas Day. |