UK Power Networks offers to pay for Christmas dinner after supplies cut off

An ambulance on route to a 999 call heads into flood water at Polhill in Kent with help from men in a white jeep in front

A major power company is offering to pay for Christmas dinner in local pubs or restaurants for people whose supplies remain cut off today.

UK Power Networks, which delivers power to about eight million customers in the South East, the East of England and London, said the storm led to about 300,000 properties being left without power although for most it was restored by engineers within minutes.

It said its engineers were working to reconnect everyone else, with supplies restored to the vast majority by last night and repair work continuing throughout Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

But the company said yesterday: "If your power is still off at midnight, it's likely you will be off on Christmas Day so you should consider making contingency plans now."

With that in mind, UK Power Networks said it was appealing to restaurants and pubs in areas still affected by the storm "to let us know if they have any availability to accommodate our customers should they still be without power from the storm tomorrow".

Venues can email SDCSupportContactukpowernetworks.co.uk or call 0800 028 0959.

Customers can contact the company on 0800 783 8838 (East) or 0800 783 8866 (South East).

Company spokesman Matt Rudling said: "We're conscious that a few people's Christmas dinners are going to be ruined so we're trying to find ways we can help."

He said the company would "foot the bill" to the tune of £40 per customer.

The company said it was also working with local authorities to provide help centres if they are needed.

PA