Blandford residents told to expect power cuts during scheme

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is undertaking a £220,000 project to replace poles and overhead power lines at Blandford and Corfe Mullen in a bid to boost network resilience to over 8,700 homes and businesses ahead of winter.

The programme of works is due for completion by mid-October, ahead of the winter months when adverse weather has the potential to affect power supplies.

SSEN’s project planner, John O’Reilly said: “The electricity infrastructure serving Blandford Forum and Corfe Mullen had been identified by SSEN for investment to ensure they have a robust power supply that will serve them now and into the future.

“Sections of the overhead network for the area were nearing the end of their working life and we were able to plan in this programme of works to refurbish them ahead of winter.”

Mr O’Reilly added: “Our customers and their safety is always a priority at SSEN, so any residents who might be affected by minor planned service interruptions scheduled in relation to these works have been informed in advance.”

Due to the pandemic SSEN has extended its Priority Services Register (PSR) to anyone who is at risk of severe illness from coronavirus. People on the register will receive extra help and support in the event of a power cut, and all priority services are free. The services include nominating another individual to be a point of contact, or receiving information in the format you need, for example Braille or audio CD.

Customers are also eligible for SSEN’s Priority Services Register if they:

- 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/aids reliant on electricity

- Are over 60

- Would benefit from PSR services for any other reason, even if temporarily

To find out more about the priority register visit www.ssen.co.uk/psr