Around 400 households in the area around Maynard Road were initially affected after the incident yesterday evening reports Nicole Bowen
Update (18/05): A UKPN spokesperson said: “Power has been restored to all properties affected, with the exception of three homes where we haven’t yet been given access to do safety checks. Our team will continue trying to reach these residents.”
Hundreds of homes in Walthamstow remain without power after suspected electrical wire theft caused major disruption in the E17 area.
Around 400 households near Barclay Road and Maynard Road were initially affected after the incident was reported at about 5.30pm yesterday (14th May).
Waltham Forest Council said the outage was “caused by electrical wire theft” and confirmed it is working with UK Power Networks (UKPN) and the Metropolitan Police while repairs continue.
UKPN engineers remain on site restoring power supplies to 280 properties, with the council saying: “We expect properties to be reconnected by the end of the day.”
UKPN said the outage was caused by vandalism to the electricity network, which triggered a “neutral fault” after a cable was damaged.
The company warned this can cause “voltage fluctuations”, meaning engineers must carry out safety checks at affected homes before power can safely be restored. UKPN has warned that roads may need to be “dug up” while repair work is carried out.
In a statement, the council said it was “providing a range of support to those in the area and protecting the most vulnerable residents affected by the power cut”.
Council teams and partners carried out overnight door-knocking to support affected residents, with torches, power banks, food and drink distributed to homes in the area.
UKPN said support services are still operating in the area, including a food van outside Shernhall Street at the junction with Maynard Road. Customer Support Vehicles have also been stationed on Barclay Road and and Shernhall Street.
The company added, “We understand how difficult this is for our customers and have customer service staff on site to visit homes, provide updates and support.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the Echo: “At around 17:30hrs on Thursday, 14th May police were called to reports of a theft at a power sub-station in Waltham Forest.
“Officers attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and UK Power Networks where it was observed that copper wire had been removed and stolen.
“No arrests have been made however enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.
“We are in contact with UK Power Networks and local agencies who are supporting residents and businesses affected to ensure the area is safe while our enquiries continue.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 7314/14MAY or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
UKPN is providing ongoing updates on the incident here: https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/incident-detail/walthamstow
This post was updated at 10.20pm on 15th May to include the statement from the Metropolitan Police.
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