Concern over 'dangerous' heatwave power outage

Plans to cut power to homes for eight hours at the height of a heatwave has sparked concern among residents.

SSEN is preparing a planned outage for 31 homes to the east of Chipping Norton between 09:00 and 17:00 BST on Thursday, which falls within the Met Office's red warning for extreme heat. Temperatures are expected to reach about 35C.

Matt Slauson, who lives in the affected area, described the move as "dangerous and reckless" and accused the company of "needlessly endangering customers".

SSEN described the work as "essential" and said its teams would conduct "dynamic risk assessments" before commencing.

The company said the work is needed to enable a new connection to its network, adding it is obligated to provide a supply to customers requesting this type of work.

In a letter to Slauson, SSEN apologised for any "inconvenience or distress caused" and advised those affected to stay in a cool room away from direct sunlight, keep hydrated, apply cold compresses, wear lightweight clothing and use battery-powered fans.

"No power means not only no air con and fans, it also means limited cold water, as fridges and freezers will also be shut down," Slauson said.

"It also means no wi-fi, which means no ability to call for help for residents in areas with spotty service like out here."

He said SSEN had shown "indifference" to concerns around the health and safety of its customers.

Councillor Bethia Thomas, from Oxfordshire County Council, said a resident had been in touch with her to share concerns about the outage.

The resident said: "It just seems unreasonable to cut the power on one of the hottest days of the year, when an extreme heat warning has been issued and schools have been closed so children will be at home."

SSEN said it carries out dynamic risk assessments in the hours before planned works begin, which take into account the severity of weather conditions and whether affected customers are signed up to its Priority Services scheme.

"If any decision is taken to postpone planned works following this thorough process, customers will be contacted directly if we hold details for them," the spokesperson added.

The company said the affected customers were informed in writing on 12 June, and that it aims to give more notice than the statutory 48-hour minimum required by its regulator.