Aftermath of Storm Babet

29th February

The unprecedented havoc storm Babet brought us led us to deal with fifteen emergencies during a three day period. The turnaround to one of those emergencies in particular highlighted just about every element of what EME Power Systems provides in its emergency customer support.

First, our response: an on call senior authorised person was dispatched and upon arrival discovered that the water level had submerged the majority of the incoming ACB on an Lv panel resulting in irreparable damage and loss of supply to a section of site.

Second, working to restore supplies: luckily the panel was all bottom entry with the main bus bars located at the top, and the height of the lowest outgoing submain at just above flood level. This allowed our on call craft staff to separate the unaffected section of the Lv panel by removing any necessary bus bar droppers whilst also ensuring all supplies were extended if needed, allowing reconnection into this now proven top section of the panel. Now just a source of supply was needed.

Third, procuring a generator from our suppliers to facilitate energising the supplies.

Fourth, providing an intermediate solution: our client did not initially wish to utilise refurbished equipment for better lead times but we were aware of expected fuel costs associated with running the generator until a new panel could be built. We advised the customer of this and, knowing that the transformer was unaffected by the flood water, following further discussion we installed a transformer mounted MCCB feeder pillar and new Lv tailing to enable removal of the generator.

Fifth, the sourcing of a new Lv panel: working with our panel suppliers we were able to get a replacement panel built and delivered, siting and assembling higher but closer to the submains prior to any shutdown. Further minimising any disruption we were able to transfer the Lv supplies at times to suit the client.

Our Contracting Engineer James Grigg said:

I would like to extend a thank you to all involved over the past weeks in showing that EME Power Systems is all about customer support and fulfilment. It goes to show the commitment put in at all levels, not only when under extreme conditions, but also in our day to day activities. Without this our customers wouldn’t receive the service we are all proud to deliver. Thank you all again.

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