Dereham businesses affected by 14 power outages in six months

The proprietor of a Norfolk clothes boutique reported that repeated power interruptions have cost her thousands of pounds in lost sales and staff wages. Emma Dennis operates Emma’s Boutique in Dereham, one of several local enterprises that have been troubled by these outages. The disruptions began in May and have continued despite Ms. Dennis’s complaints, with a total of 14 incidents recorded over a six-month period. UK Power Networks issued an apology and stated its intention to “remind all customers who rely on power for commercial reasons, to arrange backup supplies for occasions like this”. Ms. Dennis remarked: “Back in May we started experiencing outages and we could obviously have customers in just because we had a bit of daylight, whereas now the winter months are in and it’s dark. So it’s too unsafe to open your doors.” She further added: “We’re on our 14th power cut now, which means we’ve lost roughly about 14 days’ worth of trading, which isn’t good, and paying members of staff when you’re not having anything come in is not exactly an easy thing to do.” UK Power Networks did not disclose specific details regarding the persistent power failures in the NR19 postcode area. The company indicated that the most recent outage impacted three addresses, a claim disputed by Ms. Dennis, who stated she was informed that 13 properties had been affected. Carl Adcock, who manages The Shoe Doctor on Nelson Place, has also encountered power-related difficulties. “I’m lucky compared to some others that I have lights and use of some other bits,” he commented. Adcock noted: “My shoe repair and key cutting trade has been affected.” He concluded: “I have still been able to work in some capacity, it’s just awkward having to move the machines”. In an official statement, the energy company declared: “UK Power Networks has a 99% reliability rate when it comes to keeping the lights on for our customers.” The statement continued: “There will be occasions, for a range of reasons beyond our control, that power cuts do occur, and we are proactively monitoring the local network in Dereham to pinpoint the problem.” The company also urged: “Any customer who feels they are eligible for compensation, we urge them to contact us.” Ms. Dennis characterized the £95 compensation offer she received as “a bit of a slap in the face”.