More than 1,000 homes are still without power across the south of England following Storm Eunice.

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks have restored power to around 180,000 homes, but 1,200 homes are still without power.

Teams from SSEN have been working over the weekend to restore power lost during the worst storm to hit the region in decades.

The majority of the remaining faults are on low voltage networks, only small pockets of customers are now being impacted.

Dorset and Hampshire are the most affected areas.

Richard Gough, Director of Distribution System Operations, said: “Our teams have been working hard overnight to restore power to customers who are still off supply from Storm Eunice and we are making good progress.

“The remaining faults are primarily on our low voltage network where smaller pockets of customers will begin to come back on supply.

“Our focus is now on restoring the remaining customers from Storm Eunice over the course of today, prioritising those customers who have been without power the longest. 

“Thankfully, there has been some respite in the weather, which will allow our army of engineers to maximise progress.

“I’d like to thank all customers for their patience and understanding.

“I know it’s incredibly frustrating and inconvenient to be off supply for multiple days and I want to reassure customers we are doing everything we can to get customers back on supply as quickly and safely as possible.”

Can I claim compensation for loss of power?

SSEN are governed by the Guaranteed Standards of Service set by regulator Ofgem.

Customers will be eligible for £70 compensation if they have been without power for more than 48 hours.

A further £70 will be due for each additional 12-hour period without power.

Customers do not need to contact SSEN to receive this compensation, it will be automatically issued to the address that was impacted by the storms.

Additional support for those hit by power cuts

SSEN are offering to reimburse all reasonable costs for arranging alternative accommodation to people who have been without power since Friday.

Meals are also being made available from welfare vans in the communities most affected by Storm Eunice, offering free hot food, drinks and charging facilities.

They are located here:

  • Dene Farm Wisdom Lane, Nether Wallop, SO20 8ER
  • St Michael Church, Pilford, Wimborne BH21 7AB
  • Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, GU9 7QR
  • Midhurst Road, Liphook, GU30 7HA

Those not in proximity of a van can be reimbursed reasonable costs for a meal or takeaway up to the value of £15 per person and £60 per household.

For more information on reimbursement, visit the SSEN site here.