Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has restored power to over 22,000 customers in its central southern England network region following damage caused by Storm Eleanor. It has now returned to business as usual operation for the region.

Craig Gilroy, SSEN's Director of Customer Operations, said:

"We were well prepared for this weather event and our network held up very well to the overnight storm conditions and continued high winds."

"I'd like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding and also acknowledge the hard work of our operational and support teams in making sure customers were kept informed and supported as we worked to restore power throughout the day."

"With a period of unsettled weather likely to continue for the next 24 hours, we'll continue to keep an eye on the weather, ready to respond to any disruption to supplies."

"If any of our customers do come across any damage to our equipment, we ask that they don't approach it as it may still be live. Instead, call us on the emergency number 105 and we'll investigate as soon as possible."

Storm Eleanor brought storm-force winds and heavy rain across the region overnight, with gusts in excess of 80mph observed in exposed coastal areas, including 83mph in Portland, Dorset.

During the course of the day, SSEN made six welfare vans available in affected areas, serving over 500 meals and hot drinks to customers.

Prior to the storm arriving, SSEN enacted its well-established resilience plans, which included increasing resource levels, moving people and equipment to strategic locations and making proactive contact with customers on its Priority Service Register.

SSEN also encourages customers to be prepared in the event of possible disruption to power supplies, by:

  • Saving the new emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to use if your power goes off, or if you see any damage to the electricity network
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to prepare for a possible loss of power
  • Joining SSEN's Priority Services Register, which provides extra assistance for vulnerable customers.To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates