Energy regulator Ofgem has failed to keep to a pledge to press power distribution companies to upgrade their flood protection despite a recent series of severe flood warnings.

An Ofgem spokesperson said the regulator will not examine distribution Network operator (DNO) investment in Flood resilience until next year. This was despite conceding in April that most DNOs showed "slow progress" against expenditure commitments under the current five-year price controls. Ofgem at the time told Utility Week that it would "look at progress in July".

DNOs have acknowledged that recent weather patterns create a significant threat to power infrastructure: "Dry conditions, followed by heavy rainfall is actually a prime trigger for flash flooding so it is important that our protection in high-risk areas is ready for the challenges the changeable weather may throw at us," said Energy North West's asset manager Eddie Hamilton.

Ofgem made a commitment to ensure network flood defences were improved after major flooding in 2007 came close to depriving thousands of household of their power supply. The networks' trade body, the Energy Networks Association told Utility Week that "Extensive risk assessments" have been taking place on flood mitigation "to minimise the impact on customers.

"Network operators continue to make progress towards the targets set for the end of the five year price control period."

The regulator in its distribution annual report showed ENW to be the only DNO whose flood defence work was ahead of schedule.