SSEN Distribution said it restored power to a total of 35,000 customers after Storm Ciarán brought severe winds and rain to central southern England from late on Wednesday 1 November 20231. In an update published on 2 November, the network operator said it had restored power to almost 25,000 customers since the storm began, with around 2,000 still without power as of noon that day2. A further update published on 3 November put the total restored at 35,0001.
SSEN said gusts of almost 70mph were recorded on the Isle of Wight and 60mph gusts were observed along the south coast, with the worst of the winds affecting coastal areas2. It said more high winds were forecast for Thursday afternoon and that flooding in certain areas was affecting the ability of engineers to access faults2. SSEN remained at Yellow Alert status on 2 November, saying the weather still had the potential to cause damage to the electricity network2.
In mobilising its response, SSEN deployed a 1,400-strong team, with over 3,200 calls taken and proactive calls made to Priority Services Register customers1. Customer relationship teams checked on vulnerable residents and served over a thousand hot meals to those affected by power cuts1. Vans offering hot food and drink were moved to affected areas, and the most vulnerable customers were called or visited, with SSEN working with partners in Local Resilience Forums to co-ordinate welfare support2. SSEN said the response was aided by extra teams from its north of Scotland distribution area and contractor partners1.
"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."
SSEN said people should keep hold of receipts and claim costs back at ssen.co.uk/stormclaim1. It asked customers still without supplies who had not been contacted to call the freephone 105 number, noting that Smart Meter data can indicate whether a supply has been reconnected but that an outage may be very localised and not visible on central systems1. On damage to equipment, SSEN said: "If you see any damage to SSEN's power equipment, please keep your distance. Do not touch it" and report it on 105 or via the Power Track App1.
| Measure | Figure | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Customers restored (cumulative) | almost 25,000 | noon, 2 November2 |
| Customers still off supply | around 2,000 | noon, 2 November2 |
| Customers restored (total) | 35,000 | 3 November1 |
| Response team | 1,400 | 3 November1 |
| Calls taken | over 3,200 | 3 November1 |
| Peak gust recorded | almost 70mph, Isle of Wight | 2 November2 |
Why it matters for households
The disruption affected customers across central southern England, with coastal areas worst hit2. SSEN's Priority Services Register is open to customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a disability, live with children under five, are blind or partially sighted, have a chronic illness, use medical equipment reliant on electricity, or are over 60; SSEN says all its priority services are free and can be joined on 0800 294 32592. SSEN encouraged customers to save the emergency power cut number 105 and to use its Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times2. Households preparing for storm related disruption can read our guides to storms and the electricity network and to power cuts.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the storm closely and issue regular updates, and expected further disruption to supplies throughout 2 November2. Customers still off supply who have not been contacted are asked to call 1051.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
