The Inspectorate also conducts public inquiries, wayleave hearings, and written representation cases in England and Wales, into contested electricity and gas industry proposals and also reviews existing consents for overhead power lines and necessary wayleave orders.

For emergencies involving electricity substations, electricity poles, pylons or high voltage conductors, try to telephone the relevant electricity company using its emergency number or dial 999 and ask for the Emergency Service you require.

Always keep clear of any high voltage electric wires even if they are on the ground.

Our hours of business: 08.30-17.00 Mondays to Fridays, excluding Public Holidays. Out of hours we may be contacted via the DTI Inquiry Desk on 020 7215 5000.
  
Tribunals (public inquiries/contested proposals)

The Secretary of State for Trade & Industry also uses the Engineering Inspectorate to provide independent advice and make recommendations as Inspectors for public inquiries and hearings on contested energy proposals (e.g. power stations, overhead lines and pipelines) and compulsory access for such infrastructure.

The Head of the Inspectorate and Chief Engineering Inspector is Dr Peter Fenwick and the Deputy Chief Engineering Inspector is Giles Scott.

Note: The public safety role of the Engineering Inspectorate is being transferred to the Health and Safety Executive in order to create a single regulator dealing with both public and employee safety. It is expected that this will be complete in the last quarter of 2006. The other roles of the Engineering Inspectorate including those relating to supply quality and continuity, hearings and inquiries and technical advice to Ministers will remain within the DTI.