UK electricity companies devise plan to aid earthquake recovery

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) is preparing plans to respond to any request to deploy resources to support the restoration of power in the countries affected by the Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami.

The disaster has devastated parts of Asia and claimed the lives of over 150 000 people. The ENA, funded by nine companies including National Grid Transco, Northern Ireland Electricity and Scottish Power, is perfectly equipped to assist in the rebuilding of the affected countries’ power infrastructures. Nick Goodall, chief executive of ENA, says: “Rebuilding electricity infrastructure is a complex engineering task. We are liaising with both the UK Government and those in the affected region to identify projects vital for reconnecting the supply of electricity.”

Schneider Electric is donating funds, equipment and services to aid efforts in the affected countries. The manufacturer has given $1 million to the relief action and donated a further $1 million in equipment and services.

Schneider’s equipment will help towards the establishment of drinking water supplies and electrification. Local teams are also working on reconstruction project plans. Together with site-based fund-raising drives, the company expects its overall donations to exceed $3 million.

In tandem with this effort, construction minister Nigel Griffiths has been working with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to set up a register of employees and companies that are experts in flooding and infrastructure services. The register is supported and co-ordinated by construction aid charity RedR.

RedR also has a web site where skilled construction professionals can register and apply for vacancies to work in areas requiring aid throughout the world. Go to www.onlinejobs.redr.org.

Victims in tsunami-stricken areas can be given a helping hand if you recycle your mobile phones and printer cartridges. Recycling company Eurosource will swap old mobiles and printer cartridges for cash, which will go straight to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). To help call 08712 505050 and ask for a freepost bag. Then pop in your old phones or cartridges and simply post it back. A reminder also that donations can be made to the DEC on 0870 6060900 or at www.dec.org.uk.