Overview
- A fault on an underground electricity cable cut power across 32 postcodes in east and central London, leaving thousands without electricity after 10:30am on Monday.
- UK Power Networks says engineers are on site, 4,989 customers have had power restored so far, and the company estimates full restoration between 12pm and 1pm while warning the timeframe may change.
- The outage knocked out departure and information screens at Liverpool Street station and caused Great Northern to suspend stops at Essex Road because platform lighting was affected.
- Offices, shops and homes in the City and Shoreditch were plunged into darkness, forcing staff and customers to evacuate or work without power and disrupting morning commutes.
- Underground cable faults in dense urban networks require on-site diagnostics and substation repairs that can extend restoration times, and public updates are being posted by UK Power Networks and rail operators.