Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has restored power to over 80,000 homes across central southern England as engineers face ongoing challenging weather conditions in the wake of Storm Ciara.
As of 1.30pm, around 1,500 properties remain off supply following the impact of yesterday's weather front. The majority of these properties are in the north of SSEN's region in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
SSEN's engineers are carrying out a phased restoration of supplies through the course of today and into this evening, prioritising restoration based on the length of the interruption.
Although good progress is being made, engineers are encountering issues due to road closures and fallen trees and the discovery of multiple incidents of network damage which require complex repair. In addition, ongoing weather conditions - with gusts in excess of 60mph - continue to result in a significant number of additional faults.
Customer welfare remains a priority and SSEN's teams continue to work closely with local councils, emergency planning officers and resilience partners to coordinate efforts, with welfare facilities provided to customers experiencing a prolonged loss of power. SSEN has arranged for catering vans, offering free hot food and drink at the following locations:
- North Leigh cul-de-sac, Bradford Upon Avon, BA15 2RG
- Breachfield Road, St Johns RG20 9HY
- Tile Barn Row, St Johns / Ball Hill, RG20 9TF
Stuart Hogarth, SSEN's Director of Customer Operations, said:
"Our 800-strong team continues to make very good progress in restoring power to customers impacted by Storm Ciara, but access issues, complex repairs and continuing poor weather conditions are posing significant challenges for our engineers.
"I would like to reassure customers that we are doing all we can to restore power as quickly and safely as we can. We are prioritising restoration based on the length of interruption and are providing additional welfare in key areas across our region. I would continue to encourage customers who may be in a vulnerable situation to contact us on the power cut helpline, 105.
"I would also urge members of the public not to approach any damage to our equipment and instead, report it either by calling 10 or via our Power Track App and our teams will investigate as soon as possible."
For more information on SSEN's Priority Services Register, please click here or call 0800 294 3259.