As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, the resilience of Britain’s electricity network is more critical than ever. In the wake of the first major storm of 2025, Environment Journal has chosen our feature as their Editor’s Pick, recognising the importance of proactive monitoring in keeping the lights on and connections live. The article, selected by Environment Journal editor Martin Gutteridge-Hewitt, explores how cutting-edge fault detection technology is helping to safeguard the UK’s power infrastructure.
Storm-related power outages are not uncommon, with recent events like Storm Darragh serving as a stark reminder of the challenges our networks face. However, what sets Britain’s grid apart is its ability to detect and mitigate faults before they lead to major disruptions. At the heart of this resilience is the deployment of permanent monitoring equipment, capable of identifying pre-faults—short-duration current spikes indicating insulation breakdown—before they escalate into full-scale faults that leave customers without power.
Adverse weather doesn’t just threaten overhead power lines; it also impacts underground cables. Heavy rainfall can infiltrate electricity lines, leading to faults and outages. During Storm Babet in 2023, our VisNet Hubs and Guard devices recorded over 10,000 pre-fault events in a single day, highlighting the extent of the challenge. By deploying advanced waveform-capable monitoring equipment, such as the VisNet Hub, network operators can locate and address these vulnerabilities before they result in customer outages.
With storm events set to continue, a proactive approach to grid management is essential. By leveraging data-driven solutions, we can enhance the reliability of the UK’s electricity network, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a more resilient future for all.
