59,600 homes currently without power under SSEN including Berkshire, Hampshire & Surrey
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) remains at red alert status for their central southern England network area as teams continue to respond to widespread and extensive damage caused by Storm Eunice.
Last updated 19th Feb 2022
SSEN have restored power to over 120,000 homes across our operating area, with 59,600 homes currently without supply in parts of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Dorset.
The storm, which is considered to be the worst to impact the South of England in over 30 years, brought wind gusts of 80mph across our network area and over 120mph on exposed coasts.
This has resulted in over 1,000 points of damage on our overhead line network, well over 100 times that of an average day, with multiple points of damage caused by fallen and uprooted trees and other wind-borne debris.
Following ‘switching’ overnight, where we re-configure the network to bypass fault areas and restore power to customers, engineers have been out since first light to assess and complete overhead line repairs.
This work will continue throughout the day, alongside a continuing assessment of the full extent of network damage via overhead line inspections and helicopter patrols where the weather permits. Conditions continue to be challenging with further high winds, blocked roads and further access issues.
Welfare provision
The following welfare facilities have been established to provide free hot food and drinks to customers who remain off supply, with additional welfare facilities to be deployed throughout the course of today to areas which continue to be impacted.
Yattendon Village Hall, Berkshire - RG18 0UR
The Green, Whitchurch, Hampshire – RG28 7LU
Farnham Memorial Hall, Surrey – GU9 7EE
Fyfield, Kingston Bagpuize, Oxfordshire - OX13 5DS
Wisborough Green, West Sussex – RH14 OBZ
County Hall Car Park Isle of Wight – PO30 1UD
Chapel Road, Swanmore, Hampshire – SO32 2QA