A FAULT in a transformer on the overheard network caused the power outage in Kingsclere yesterday (Thursday, June 24) that affected 159 houses, according to SSEN.

The power cut lasted at least six hours for most customers.

According to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), they were alerted about the power cut at 12.54pm and it was restored for 91 customers at 6.55pm.

A spokesperson for SSEN told the Gazette: “Engineers attended and quickly restored power to all but 91 customers, who were back on supply by 18:55.

“SSEN would like to apologise for any inconvenience resulting from this power cut, which was caused by a fault in a transformer on the overhead network, and thanks customers for their patience while engineers worked to safely restore supplies.”

Shortly after the outage, a spokesperson for SSEN had said: “We would hope to have the majority of power supplies restored by 16.00.

"We do this by switching our network on in stages, this allows us to restore as many customers as possible whilst narrowing down the cause of the fault.”

However, an updated comment at around 4.30pm brought "bad news".

"After encountering issues on the network, the engineers are having to bring in linesmen and the time we now have is 19.00.

"Truly sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience."

Kingsclere Community Facebook page said that there is "a problem with several houses around the area" and administrators have been liaising with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to resolve the issue.

Residents replying to the informative post were in good spirits, however, one wrote: "Looks like no housework for me today. Whoop whoop" and another adding: "Looks like the hoover will have to stay where it is!"