Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution are making good progress this morning in responding to the impact of Storm Henk, following the period of intense storm-force winds and heavy rain which impacted central southern England yesterday afternoon. 

Wind gusts in excess of 70mph were observed in coastal areas and higher ground, with gusts of over 60mph more generally across SSEN’s central southern England region. This was some 10-15mph higher than originally forecast and has led to damage to overhead electricity network from fallen trees, branches and other wind-borne debris. 

As of 10am this morning, teams from SSEN have restored power to over 56,000 homes and have been working from first light to restore power to the remaining 1,900 customers through the course of today. 

Following significant progress last night and into the early hours, this morning SSEN’s engineers are now focusing efforts on addressing more challenging faults and complex network repairs to restore supplies. Additional technical and support teams have also been deployed to bolster restoration efforts today.   

Updated estimated restoration times continue to be issued to customers by customer contact teams, and proactive welfare calls are being made to Priority Service Register (PSR) customers.  

Welfare units providing hot drinks and food have been mobilised to areas where customers remain without power. These are now situated at the following locations:  

  • The Blacks Head Inn, Bletchingdon, OX5 3DA – from 3:30pm

Please note that all welfare locations opening times will vary. Please check local travel and safety advice before visiting one of the welfare vans. For the most up-to-date list of welfare provisions please visit our social media channels - Facebook & Twitter. 

As part of the support package for customers impacted 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 
  
If you see any damage to SSEN’s power equipment, please keep your distance. Do not touch it and instead report it to SSEN directly by calling 105, or via the Power Track App, and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.  

How to get prepared

In preparation for any potential power cuts, 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.

  • Register for extra support during a power cut

    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.
    Priority Services

  • View our tips and advice to help you during a power cut

    Preparing for a power cut

    With bad weather on the way, we'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 and neighbours.
    Prepare

  • 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.
    Power Track