As the anniversary of Storm Desmond approaches, Electricity North West says it has invested more than £45m in strengthening and upgrading the power network.

The company said the improvements have been made in efforts to help keep the lights on for customers in Lancashire ahead of any severe weather this winter.

Last year's storms - which resulted in floods and massive blackouts, saw the wettest December since records began in 1910.

Engineers worked around the clock to restore power to more than 55,000 homes and businesses in Lancaster after a months worth of rainfall fell in just 24 hours during Storm Desmond causing severe flooding at our substation in Lancaster.

Since winter £4.6m has been invested to help further protect the key substation ahead of any potential severe weather this winter, with new flood doors, applying waterproof membranes, cable ducting and CCTV which will help monitor any activity in the substation.

Peter Emery, CEO for Electricity North West, said: “As the region’s network operator it’s our job to keep the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the North West, which is why we have made it our priority to invest over £45m in the network ahead of winter.

“Although I joined the organisation in May I fully understand what an enormously challenging time last winter was and I’m impressed by the dedication and commitment our employees showed when repairing the damage and restoring power and also the amazing support received during the storms from our customers.

“Thankfully for most people power cuts are very rare, but they can have a big impact, so we want to remind our customers that we are fully prepared and on hand 24/7 if they experience any issues with their power this winter.”

Five MPs from across the North West, including Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris, have recently supported Electricity North West’s Priority Services Register which provides extra support to customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity.

If customers experience a power cut they can call the new free national number 105 or 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW on Twitter.