Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) engineers have restored power to over 75,000 homes across central southern England and are continuing to respond to the impact of Storm Ciara. Currently 1,800 customers remain off supply and SSEN anticipates all homes that have been without power overnight will be restored by 1pm today.

SSEN will continue to monitor the weather throughout the course of the day, as gusts in excess of 50mph are expected into the afternoon and there is a possibility of further localised power cuts.

Stuart Hogarth, SSEN's Director of Customer Operations, said:

"By tracking the weather pattern in advance we have been able to ensure we had the right people in the right places to deal with these power cuts quickly and safely.

"As a result of this planning, SSEN has over 800 operational staff dealing with the ongoing situation across our central southern England patch, working to ensure customers are back on supply at the earliest possible opportunity.

"I would ask anyone who remains concerned about the potential disruption to supplies, particularly those who may need additional support during a power cut, to call us on 105."

Customers are also being encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to power supplies by:

  • Saving the free-to-dial 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
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

Customers can register for SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) if they require extra assistance. People can qualify for the PSR if they:

  • Are dependent on electricity for home medical care
  • Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition
  • Have a disability
  • Have special communication needs
  • Have children under the age of five
  • Are over the age of 60

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.