EDF Energy engineers have worked throughout the night to continue emergency repair works following the fire, which caused serious damage to high voltage electricity cables in the Dartford area. This resulted in the loss of electricity supplies to close to 100,000 customers across the Dartford, Crayford, Bexleyheath, Erith and Orpington areas.
Power supplies have been restored to around a third of customers by switching to alternative connections and generators are being deployed to key sites where possible. However, it is unlikely power will be restored until Wednesday morning (22 July).
Emergency services and hospitals are working as normal in the area and additional police patrols have been implemented while the repairs continue.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service has advised people to take particular care if using candles during this time and never to leave them unattended.
Residents in the area have been advised to listen to radio reports for the latest information (details below). EDF Energy's emergency helpline number is 0800 028 0247.
A Dartford Borough Council spokesman said: “The authority’s plans have ensured that there has been no disruption to essential services. We have put in place measures to ensure that the more vulnerable members of the community have been cared for throughout.”
A spokesman for Kent Primary Care Trust said that people with concerns about their health should contact their local health services as normal, but that people whose GP surgery is affected by the power failure should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Kent Police is working with partner agencies to ensure normal services are restored as quickly as possible and are investigating the circumstances leading up to the power failure.
For further updates and information:
Tune into BBC Radio Kent (96.7FM / 104.2FM) or Heart Kent (103.1FM / 102.8FM).
Alternatively visit www.dartford.gov.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/kent/news
- A number of petrol stations have been affected by the power failure with only one or two currently operational. Drivers are advised to travel out of the area to buy fuel to avoid long queues.
