Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution have successfully restored power overnight to all customers whose supplies were affected by Storm Henk, which brought a period of intense storm-force winds and heavy rain across central southern England on Tuesday.
SSEN engineers worked throughout the evening and into the early hours of Thursday morning, to reconnect these final customers affected by the storm, which caused damage to the overhead electricity infrastructure due to fallen trees, branches, and other debris.
Wind gusts of over 70mph hit coastal areas and higher ground on Tuesday afternoon, with gusts of over 60mph more generally across SSEN’s central southern England region. These were 10-15mph higher than originally forecast.
In total, power was restored to almost 60,000 customers by a 500-strong team working late into the night, and from first light to repair damage and restore supplies. SSEN would like to thank customers for their patience and support for our teams during the past few days.
As part of the support package for customers affected by power cuts, people who have had no power for more than 12 hours are entitled to £30 per person for every day without power, to cover the cost of food and drink. People should keep hold of receipts and claim costs back at www.ssen.co.uk/stormclaim
Once final fault assessments are carried out, any customers who were without power for over 24 hours will be entitled to compensation under the regulated Guaranteed Standards of Performance.
Customers will receive £80, with a further £40 for every subsequent six-hour period they were off supply. Customers do not need to contact SSEN to request compensation. This will be processed as quickly as possible. Anyone who is eligible for compensation under these Standards and doesn't hear from us within the next few weeks should get in touch.
Support during a power cut
To keep updated with any power cuts across our network, we are encouraging our customers to save the emergency power cut number 105 and to follow us on Facebook and Twitter (ssencommunity) for regular updates.
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Priority Services Register
We all rely on electricity day to day for various things, but for some, a power cut can be worrying or difficult. That’s why we offer extra help and support during a power cut. Registering for our Priority Services helps us to help you when you need it most. All our priority services are free. -
View our tips and advice to help you during a power cut
Dealing with a power cut
If you are currently experiencing a power cut, we know this can be a difficult time. That's why wee've put together some helpful tips and advice to help you during a power cut. You can also download our useful resources to share with your family, friends, and neighbours. -
Report a power cut or damage to our network through our map
Power Track
You can stay updated and track the progress of any faults in your area on our Power Track map or report damage to our network. You can also follow the progress of planned interruptions as well as find the nearest EV charge point if you have an electric vehicle that needs charging during a power cut.