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MPs quiz energy bosses over Christmas power cuts Bosses accused of 'complacency' over Christmas power cuts
(about 1 hour later)
Bosses of UK energy distribution firms have stood by their preparations for stormy weather that led to power cuts over the Christmas period. Bosses of UK energy distribution firms have been accused of "utter complacency" as they defended their response to stormy weather that led to power cuts over the Christmas period.
About 750,000 properties were left without power, many for several days. About 750,000 properties were affected, many left without power for days.
The Commons Energy Select Committee is questioning how the companies responded and how they communicated to customers. The Commons Energy Select Committee is questioning how the companies reacted 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. Committee chairman Tim Yeo said they appeared to lack any "expression of real concern" for people affected.
"The damage was not caused by weak points in the network," he added. After the first 45 minutes of the hearing, Mr Yeo told the bosses that the "tone of this conversation and its contents has been utter complacency".
Mark Mathieson, managing director of Scottish and Southern Energy, praised the efforts of his staff who turned out to work. Mr Yeo said it was "absolutely typical of a monopoly, particularly a monopoly whose charges are not very visible to the customers who have to pay them".
He added that affected customers were also understanding of the problems caused by a "unique" weather situation. He criticised the trade body the Energy Networks Association for failing to be able to confirm whether he stood by its earlier report suggesting that 75,000 customers were left without power for more than 24 hours.
'Unsatisfactory' He said the ENA could not provide the "most basic information on a totally predictable question".
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. Bosses from Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy, Electricity North West, Western Power Distribution, and UK Power Networks - the companies behind the networks that carry electricity - are also appearing at the hearing.
'No weak points'
UK Power Networks chief Basil Scarsella told the MPs "tried and tested" emergency plans were in place but conditions turned out to be more severe than forecast.
"We have a methodology that estimates the damage expected on the network based on the wind speeds. But the wind speed and the weather forecast escalated significantly."
He said: "The damage was not caused by weak points in the network."
Mr Scarsella said another issue was "that this was a national storm and it lasted over two or three days. There is a well-tested mutual aid system which enables any of us to call on our colleagues to send additional resources.
"But because of the severity of the storm and the national nature of the storm we were not able to provide additional resources to other networks or indeed receive additional resources."
The committee heard of repairs in some flooded areas taking place on boats and how engineers were unable to begin their work because hundreds of trees needed to be cut through.
Mark Mathieson, managing director of Scottish and Southern Energy's electricity networks, praised the efforts of staff who turned out to reconnect properties.
He added he felt affected customers were understanding of the problems caused by a "unique" weather situation.
The MPs are also expected to quiz the energy chiefs on the compensation paid to customers.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". 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.
"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."
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.
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.