ESP Electricity is eager to promote the safe use of electricity in and around the home, as well as out in the public arena. Electricity can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, if straightforward guidelines and safety procedures are not adhered to.

To ensure that you are using electricity safely, adhere to the following guidelines:

Inside the home

When carrying out electrical work in your home if you are not qualifed yourself, always use a competent electrician (especially when re-wiring). From 1^st January 2005 a new Building Regulation Part P came into force that controls the installation of electrical wiring and associated work in connection with dwellings. This means that the majority of electrical work carried out in and around dwellings should be notified and controlled under the Building Regulations. You should contact your local council for further information.

Use a safety cut out device (known as an RCD) when using electrical equipment outdoors

Always ensure the power is off (and unplugged if possible) when working on any electrical appliance (even when changing a light bulb!)

Outside the home

DO NOT play with kites near overhead power lines.
DO NOT fish where rod or line may come close to an overhead power line.
DO NOT enter electricity substations.
DO NOT climb electricity towers or poles.

For further detailed information regarding safety with overhead cables, working around the home, leisure pursuits and digging in the vicinity of underground cables, click on the following link for a selection of downloadable leaflets:

http://2008.energynetworks.org/public-safety/

If you experience problems with the website, we will be happy to email/post you a copy of the leaflet.

Meters and cables to your home

If you think there is a safety problem with your meter, the cables or other equipment leading to your home, telephone your supplier’s emergency number immediately. It will be listed on your bill under “Supply Failure”. Alternatively, call the emergency number under “Electricity” in the telephone directory.

ESP Electricity has its own statement concerning customer safety. This statement is produced in accordance with our electricity distribution licence, and has been approved by Ofgem. It sets out the enquiry service that has been made available to any person for the purposes of receiving reports and offering information, guidance, or advice about any matter or incident that:

• affects or is likely to affect the maintenance of the security, availability and quality of service of the licensee's distribution system; or
• arises from or in connection with the operation of, or otherwise relates to, the licensee's distribution system and which causes danger or requires urgent attention or is likely to cause danger or require urgent attention.

A fee of £10 (plus VAT) will be payable for each copy of our Statement of Safety and Security of Supply which is provided in accordance with a request. An electronic copy, free of charge, is available by emailing electricity@espiplines.com.

Further safety information

You can also find further safety information on the following websites:

Health and Safety Executive website

The Energy Networks Association

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)